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FROM THE 

ATLANTIC 



To the 




PACIFIC 







By AARON LEE 

,^^^ PORT ORCHARD 
IW'ASHINGTON 




Class _£iii. 
Book [^ 



Copyright}] 



JO 



-i_LX 



2.. 



COP^-RIGHT DEPOSJT. 




THE AUTHOR. 



, FROM THE 

ATLANTIC 

to the 

PACIFIC^ 



Reminiscences of Pioneek Life and 
Travels Across the Continent, from 
New England to the Pacific Ocean, 
BY AN Old Soldier. : : Also a Graphic 
Account of His Army Experiences in 
the Civil War. : : : : : : : : 



i 

Aaron Lee 

Member of First Minnesota Infantrij. 



Metropolitan Press, Printers, Seattle 



I (3b 



Qm^ X 



COPYRIGHT 1915 

By 

AARON LEE 



Price $1.00 

to any address 

JAN 16 1915 



Sent, postage paid, to any address, ony receipt of price 

J 



Cf.A393294 5 



INDEX 



Page. 

Preface -^ 

Reminisences of Early Life in New England 7 

Wenham Our Native Town 10 

Jack and the Bear 1 1 

Sunday in New England t3 

Shortstop Johnny and the Ground Hog 17 

Pioneer Life in the West 19 

Chased by Wolves 2"-^ 

The Pioneer Preacher 24 

Pioneer Life in Settling Up the Country 2 5 

At the National Encampment 27 

Flouring Mills of Minneapolis 28 

Fort Snelling • 29 

Moved to Iowa 30 

Mormons at Mt. Pisgah 31 

Attending the C. E." Convention at Boston 33 

Under the St. Croix River, Visit Toronto 3 6 

The Thousand Islands 40 

Niagara Falls . . . : 41 

New England 4 5 

Daniel Webster's Farm 4 7 

Hannah Dustin Monument 49 

C. E. Convention at Boston 52 

Faneuil Hall 57 

The Old North Church 59 

Bunker Hill Monument 60 

The Public Garden 60 

Endeavorers Visit Salem 62 

Seeing the Sights 65 

The Old Witch House 67 

Salem Witchcraft 69 

Gallows Hill 70 

Hawthorne House 71 

House of Seven Gables 72 

liincoln Monument 73 

The Tides 73 

The Sea Shore 75 

Attractions Along the Coast 75 

The Breakers 78 

The Pilots 79 

Manchester by the Sea 80 

The Blind Comrade 81 

Rockport ■ 81 

Fishing on the Atlantic Ocean 82 

Caught in a Storm on the Atlantic 84 

Cape Ann 87 

The Devil's Tracks and Den 88 

Visiting in the Vicinity of Old Home 90 

The Myopia Club 90 

The Polo Game and Shirt Race 93 



Page. 

Visiting the Old Home 94 

Visit at the Cemetery 95 

Visit at My Native Town, Wenhani 97 

Eastern Washington 100 

Shooting Springs and the Broncho 101 

Dead Man's Lake 103 

Prosperous Towns in Adams County 105 

Mirage and Mountain Sunset 100 

Western Washington 107 

Seattle 109 

Puget Sound 110 

Taeoma Ill 

Puget Sound Na^y Yard at Bremerton 112 

Veterans' Home 113 

The Little Church Upon the Sound 115 

Moclips on the Pacific Coast 116 

Axioms, Food for Thoueht 118 

A Visit in the Alberta Country 121 

Veterans' Home 122 

Pneumonia Cure 122 

A Chapter to the Young 124 

Wanted 126 

Concluding Remarks 127 

Reminiscences of Army Life in the Civil War 129 

The Breaking Out of Civil War 129 

Butler's Journey to Washington 130 

The Missing Rail 131 

Watching and Waiting 132 

The Indian War in Minnesota 133 

Enlisting for Uncle Sam 136 

Start for the Front 137 

"Mine Bottle Tings" 138 

On the Potomac River 139 

Sketch of Army Life 142 

On the Skirmish Line 14S 

On Guard 149 

Skirmishing 152 

Capture of Fort and Petersburg 155 

Capture of Richmond 159 

Conversed With Gen. Grant 164 

The Army Telegraph 165 

Surrender at Appomattox 171 

A Yankee Trick 175 

Getting the Mail 176 

Slaves Bought and Sold 17.S 

On the March 179 

Assassination of Lincoln 181 

Grand Review at V/ashington 182 

Start for Louisville 184 

Arriving at St. Paul and Home 186 

Conclusion — Is There a God, Heaven or Eternitv? 188 



PREFACE 



In prefacing the succeeding pages we prefer to 
write only a few lines, referring the reader to the 
first chapter for a more definite introduction. We 
write from experience, and in that light we will at- 
tempt to give our experience. Starting from the 
earlier years of boyhood, from our New England 
home on the sea coast near where the Puritans land- 
ed, and where the first battles of the Revolutionary 
War were fought and liberty was achieved and this 
nation became a free and independent peo- 
ple. While yet a young man we leave behind us the 
home of our childhood, with all its pleasant sur- 
roundings, saying good-bye to loving friends and 
the pleasant attractions of early life. Bidding 
adieu to the rock-bound coast of New England, the 
historic battlefields of Bunker Hill and Lexington, 
Faneuil Hall, the ''Cradle of Liberty," with all their 
varied associations with the early history of our 
country. These we leave all behind and shape our 
course westward towards the Pacific Ocean, for we 
ever had a strong desire to see the rolling waves 
of the two oceans. When this was accomplished we 



were prompted to write * ' From the Atlantic to the 
Pacific, by an Old Soldier/' where we have at- 
tempted to picture to the minds of our readers the 
varied observations and experiences of an active 
and eventful life, on our long journey from ocean 
to ocean, giving an account of our many adven- 
tures and experiences of Pioneer life in the West; 
also an extended delineation of the experiences of 
our army life as a member of the First Minnesota 
Infantry. Hoping that these pages may be perused 
with interest and profit, especially by the young 
people in whose interest we were prompted to 
write the following pages, and that they may in- 
duce you to have a tendency toward a— 

"Laughing heart and smiling face each day, 
And scatter sunshine all along the way." 

THE AUTHOR. 



CHAPTER I. 

Early Life in New England. 

Situated upon an elevated plateau surrounded 
by the picturesque scenery of the hills and valleys 
that added much to the beautiful views that 
were ever a source of attraction to the eye of the 
beholder, stood the old house where I was born. It 
was a large two-story dwelling, erected soon after 
the landing of the Pilgrims, and near the beautiful 
little town of Wenham, Massachusetts. It was 
the joyous retreat of several generations of our 
family, it being the birthplace of my father and 
one of my sons. Here I first saw the light of day 
on Oct. 8th, 1832. This place was ever held in high 
esteem on account of its elevated position affording 
such a grand and beautiful view of all its surround- 
ings. The frame of both house and barn were made 
of very heavy timbers, and the nails used in their 
construction were hammered into shape by the 
blacksmith, as were all the nails used for building 
purposes at this early date in our history. This 
old-fashioned house was built after the old Colonial 
style. It contained four large rooms, aside from 
halls, pantry and closets. In each of these rooms 
was a large brick fireplace, and by the side of each 
of these was a large brick oven in which the larger 
part of the family cooking was done. These were 
generally heated on Saturday, when a good supply 



8 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

of the good things to eat were placed in the oven, 
aside from the bread, meat, pies and cake ; the Puri- 
tan Sunday dinner was never overlooked. Their 
favorite dish, broAvn bread and baked beans, and 
Indian suet pudding rarely failed to be on the 
table for Sunday dinner. 

Though several generations have passed away, 
the ancient custom still prevails almost to an uni- 
versal extent among the people in the vicinity of 
where the Pilgrims landed. 

We cannot forget the pleasant associations con- 
nected with the old kitchen, with its glowing fire 
upon the hearth, sending out the brilliant light and 
heat to the joyous family circle. How we listened 
with eager ears and earnest attention to the wonder- 
ful stories of Pioneer life, about the wild animals 
and Indians, as related to us by grandmother as she 
rocked to and fro in front of the fireplace, snapping 
of the stitches from the knitting needles, mingled 
w^ith the glowing sparks amid the merry hum of 
the tea kettle and the joyous shouts of childhood as 
we watched the sparks as they ascended the 
great chimney, or popped the corn and cracked the 
nuts, and the jokes that were ever prevalent around 
the old fireside. This was truly joyous, happy child- 
hood. It brings a thrill of sadness when we con- 
sider that all the living witnesses to those happy 
seasons have passed away, only I alone am left to 
tell the tale. Father, mother, grandmother^ sister 
and brother have passed away and gone to their 
reward. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC S* 

My parents were James and Betsy Lee, my mother 
being a native of England, while father being a na- 
tive of this country, was of English descent. It was 
here on the rock-bound coast of New England, over- 
looking the broad Atlantic with its picturesque 
scenery, we spent our boyhood days as a farmer 
boy, attending to the frequent arduous duties of the 
farm during the summer months, and attending 
the common school during the winter, securing an 
education. 

We well remember seeing the fields of grain being 
cut down with the hand sickle, and the advent of the 
grain cradle when it appeared in use in our vicin- 
ity. When the mowing machine came it was a won- 
der to the whole farming community, and the 
farmers who assembled to witness its operation, 
decided it an undesirable way of mowing their hay 
fields by a majority of those present when making 
its first trial in our vicinity. 

When we look back to the agricultural implements 
of our forefathers and compare them to the ones 
in use at the present time we hardly credit we are 
living in the same age. It verifies to us the one 
undeniable fact that this is an age of rapid progress 
and the unexpected is what is constantly taking 
place. 

My paternal grandfather was of English birth, 
coming from England early in life. At the age of 
nine years he commenced the life of a sailor, filling 
the position as cook and cabin boy on a trading 
vessel bound for the West Indies Islands. He fol- 



10 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

lowed the seas for thirty years, visiting a large num- 
ber of the foreign ports of the world, and became a 
skillful navigator of the seas, and took an active 
part in guarding the coast during the Revolutionary 
War. 

In the war of 1812 he was one of the number to 
fit out a vessel that engaged in the privateer busi- 
ness, and captured several of the enemy's ships and 
cargos, which were divided among the crew of 
privateers. They were finally captured and sent 
to Canada as prisoners of war. After one of these 
captures he sent home what at that time was con- 
sidered the essentials in housekeeping— one hogs- 
head each of sugar, molasses and rum. After being 
imprisoned for nineteen months he was released at 
the close of the war. While there, in drinking from 
a spring, he took some insects in his stomach, from 
which he died after two years' suffering defying the 
skill of all physicians. A post mortem examination 
revealed the fact that they were in a separate sac 
within the stomach, that was greatly enlarged, from 
which he died. 

Wenham Our Native Town. 

Incidents often occur to me that transpired in 
my boyhood days. I believe the happenings of our 
early days when our associations are of a sunny 
nature have a tendency to remain on memory's 
tablet for a long time after their occurrence. We 
were always proud of our native town, Wenham. 
And whenever the boys of adjoining towns attempt- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 11 

ed to convince us that their town was a little the 
best, we would repeat to them the following lines: 

Marblehead is a Rock Bed, 
Salem is a Shaggy, 
Beverly is a Bean Town, 
But Wenham is a Dandy. 

This acted as a clincher and usually ended in a 
hearty laugh. 

Strangers often spoke of its beautiful streets and 
cozy dwellings, its nice shade trees and its grassy 
lawn upon the square. The little pond near the 
Vestry where the frogs used to hold such grand 
musical concerts during the summer months and the 
girls and boys enjoyed it as a skating rink in the 
winter season. The frogs were so persistent in 
holding their concerts that they would not postpone 
them on account of a meeting being held in the 
Vestry. So on that account the Vestry was re- 
moved to a new location where the music of the 
frogs did not disturb the services. 

I often think of my Native Town 
As the Beauty place of much renown, 
And ponder why I should ever roam 
And get so far from my Native Home. 

Jack and the Bear. 

There lived in our school district and attended 
school a colored youth by the name of Jack. He 
was an apt scholar— jolly, kind, good natured, gen- 
erous, exceedingly witty and full of fun and a gen- 
eral favorite among the scholars. He frequently 



12 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

liad occasioii to go to the village about a mile away. 
The tavern was kept by an old gentleman who went 
by the name of Squire Thorn who, while on a visit 
to Vermont brought home with him a little cub 
bear that was as playful as a puppy and quite an 
attraction, especially to young America. He grew 
very fast and was soon a large bear. He had to 
be kept chained, for he would sometimes show his 
wild nature, although the old squire would handle 
him as he would a dog. He used to lay him on his 
back and drag him by the hind legs. The bear 
seemed to greatly enjoy this treatment as it rubbed 
his back on the ground. Jack had noticed this. 
So, one time when at the village he thought he 
would show his generosity by imitating the Es- 
quire and give the bear a friendly rub. The bear 
was chained in the back yard with a stout chain 
about twenty feet in length, near the farther end 
of the yard, lying stretched out sound asleep. Jack 
made a grab for his legs. Bruin seemed greatly 
surprised when he saw it w^as not his master, and 
all the savage nature of the most ferocious beast 
of the forest returned to him. He made a bound 
for Jack, whose nimble figure was out of reach 
though the race across the yard was an exciting one. 
Jack just missed a blow from the bear's paw that 
buried itself in the earth just as he got out of his 
reach. Jack laughed heartily and when asked what 
his thoughts were when the bear was after him, 
''I thought," said he, "that the legs must save the 
body or the body must perish." Jack soon went 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 13 

to live at an adjoining city. Several years after he 
made a visit to his friends where he used to live, 
bringing with him a nice white young lady whom 
he introduced as his Avife. 

Sunday In New England. 

The Pilgrims left their native land not only for 
the purpose of finding a home, but to find a place 
where they could worship God in accordance with 
their own views and not be dictated to or interfered 
with by any creed or denomination. Their views 
in regard to the Christian Sabbath were very strict 
in regard to its observance. To "Remember the Sab- 
bath day and keep it holy," was in accordance with 
their belief. 

My parents were both members of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and when Sunday came all unnec- 
essary labor was suspended and the people gener- 
ally were interested in attending public worship. 
Preparation was made on the preceding day. The 
great brick oven was heated and filled with the 
good things that were to furnish the table with a 
bountiful supply for the next few^ days, thus doing 
away with all cooking on Sunday. Memory takes 
me back to these pleasant associations when the 
horse was hitched to the wagon and father, mother, 
sister and brother joined in a pleasant ride to 
church. We were a joyous, happy lot as w^e smelled 
the fragrant flowers along our pathway and lis- 
tened to the sweet songsters as they poured forth 
their notes of joy from the fruit trees on either 



14 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

side. We soon cross the little stream that was al- 
ways a source of attraction and pass by the long 
row of beautiful larch trees and soon come to the 
village and arrive at the old church. The people are 
flocking together, some on foot, some in wagons and 
carriages. The wonderful ' ' one-hoss shay ' ' was there 
also. A little box about 10x12 inches with glass 
door in front, hanging by the side of the door, was 
always a source of attraction, as it contained the 
names of those in the township who intended to 
marry after two weeks' publishing in this box, the 
notice reading about like this : 

"Notice is hereby given that James 
Brown and Martha Day of Wenham in- 
tend Marriage. 

Wenham, June 10th, 1842.— 
Stephen Dodge, Town Clerk." 

The pulpit was a high structure in back end of the 
great church. The pews were nearly square, about 
7x9 feet, with seats around the inside, inclosed all 
around, also door that buttoned on the outside. 
Each family had their own pew. I was only a 
little boy but was pleased when the long sermon 
ended, for I really did not like to be confined in 
so small a place and was anxious for the nice ride 
home. On our way items of interest were discussed, 
frequently about those who were published to get 
married. Marriage in those days was a real bles- 
sing and not a blessing in disguise. They seemed 
to understand their worth to each other. This re- 
minds me of three preachers who, during a meet- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 15 

ing came to our house for dinner. Their topic was 
their experience in marrying couples and the fees 
they received. One stated that the largest fee he 
ever received for marrying a couple was ten dol- 
lars. Another said he had never received over 
three dollars. The other said he generally got from 
one to two dollars. He told of a couple who came 
to get married. After the ceremony the groom 
asked him how much he charged. He told him he 
might pay him what he thought his wife was worth 
to him. He handed him a quarter and they all went 
on their way rejoicing. 

This was years ago, before the first railroad was 
built through that part of the country, and the 
old four-horse stage coach was an important factor. 
How eagerly it was looked for, expecting to meet 
some loving friend or receive the long-looked-for 
letter through the mail. Wlien the horn tooted all 
was hum and bustle. The horses generally came 
in on the full run and drew up in front of the old 
tavern where the foaming horses were exchanged 
for a fresh team. While this was being done the 
travelers who wished, always had an opportunity 
to visit the bar that was ever kept in full blast and 
well supplied with the various kinds of liquors of 
those times, new and West Indies rum predominat- 
ing. Upon the advent of the first railroad the old 
stage coach ceased to travel its usual route and the 
old tavern was a back number. The little old 
matrimonial publishing box was laid aside and all 
that was necessary was for the lady to decide in 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 17 

the affirmative and the parties could inimediately 
get married without any further preliminaries. 
Surely time brings changes. 

Stop-Short Johnny and the Groundhog. 

The incidents and associations of early life often 
come to our memory when we think of the occur- 
rences of the past. Things that occurred when a 
small school boy often carried with them a certain 
degree of merriment that tends to have them more 
firmly fixed in our memory. I remember well when 
father came home with a new horse. He was of 
a light chestnut color, fat and sleek, and a nice 
animal. Previous to this time he had been used 
for a while to run a spice mill and had been broken 
to brace right back in the harness in order to stop 
the mill. Whenever he received the word the mill 
w^ould stop suddenly. That acquired habit he used 
to perfection ever after. On one occasion when 
father was going to the timber and we were going 
to school Johnny was hitched before the sled, as 
there was quite a body of snow on the ground and 
his route being over the same road to the school- 
house. "We found it quite a treat to get a nice 
ride to school. In passing several houses we found 
the children out ready for a ride to school, so we 
soon had a jolly load of boys and girls, augmented 
by another lot a short distance before w^e reached 
the schoolhouse. There being no box on the sled, 
they crowded on, some sitting, some standing, hold- 
ing on to the stakes. ''Stopshort Johnny" was 



18 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

going at a lively gait as we approached the school- 
house. Father looked around smiling with a merry 
twinkle in his eye and says, "Don't any of you 
jump off; I will stop for you to get off." Just 
then he gave sharply the word 'Svhoa." It was so 
suddenly obeyed that there was a lively heap of 
girls and boys, dinner pails and books, mingled 
with peals of laughter from the struggling mass in 
the snow on each side of the sled. It was one of 
father's jokes, though he seemed surprised that 
they got off so quickly. He enjoyed it and laughed 
heartily with the rest. Another incident occurred 
in which Johnny, a groundhog and I were the prin- 
cipal actors. Johnny was a nice riding nag and I 
frequently rode him short distances. Being out on 
one of these trips, when returning I came through 
the field and pasture, following a track not very 
much used, and crossing a small stream at a ford 
about two rods wide, the water being about a foot 
in depth at the deepest part, running over a fine 
gravel bottom. As we approached the stream I 
saw a nice groundhog some ten or tAvelve rods from 
his hole where he lived on the opposite side of the 
stream and could easily capture him if I got there 
first. So Johnny started on the full run. When we 
got to the stream he wanted to drink, so he put in 
one of his ''stop shorts" and I went over his head, 
alighting in the water like a frog. The groundhog 
got safely into his home. Johnny got a good drink 
and I got a cold bath. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 19 



The Beautifiil Flowers. 

The lovely flowers, how grand they are to view, 

Like friendship's tie that is ever tried and true, 

They scatter lovely sunshine all along the way, 

And all gloomy sorrows turn to a brighter day. 

We view the forests, rivers, mountains, lakes and seas, 

But their beauty and fragrance vie with all of these. 

God's grateful love and blessings around us pour. 

Then why not be true and try to love Him more? 



CHAPTER II. 
Pioneer Life In the West. 

After attaining the age of manhood, during the 
winter of 1854, we heard a lecture that was given 
by Josiah Quincy, Jr., of Boston. His subject was 
the Great West. We were deeply impressed with 
the statements he then gave of the West and we 
fully decided in our own mind that we would see 
some of the famous country that he so nicely pic- 
tured to us, and we concluded to comply with the 
advice that was afterward given by Horace Greely, 
''Go West, young man." Accordingly, in the spring 
of 1855, my cousin and myself concluded we would 
leave the crowded State of Massachusetts and start 
for a more sparsely settled country, where land was 
good and cheap and make us a home. AVe pur- 
chased tickets to Chicago and then found that Dun- 
leith. 111., was the terminus of the railroad going 
west. Learning there was no stage going in our di- 
rection, we started out, traveling the most of the way 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 21 

on foot, until we reached Mower county, Minnesota, 
where we tiled on a quarter section of Uncle Sam's 
land that was then subject to preemption. At this 
time the land was untaken all around us, but soon 
the settlers began to come in and select land for 
their homes. At this time the Indians, deer, wild 
ducks and prairie chickens were plentiful. Wild 
pigeons also nested in the timber and traversed the 
country in enormous, flocks, nearly excluding the 
light of the sun. It afforded us much pleasure in 
hunting the wild game that was so plentiful along 
the beautiful little stream that coursed its way 
through the timber some three miles distant, and 
across one corner of the land that I had selected 
for my farm. 

In traveling out one day I met two men. One 
was armed with a gun and axe, the other carried 
a two-gallon jug and spade. He said they had just 
arrived, having driven through from Michigan, 
driving five horses and one yoke of oxen attached 
to two wagons heavily loaded with household ef- 
fects and his wife and six children. He was a 
real Englishman, said he was looking for a place 
to make a 'ome and wished to know where there 
was a chance to get some "boats" for the '' 'orses." 
He also wanted to know if there was any show for 
his children to attend school. Minnesota was then 
a territory and little provision was made for 
schools. I told him if only a few such families as 
his came in we would soon have enough children 
for a school. "Yes," said he. "the children would 



22 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

be here, but where could we find a teacher?" I 
jokingly told him, if no one else would teach them 
I would. "On that condition," said he, "I will 
build my house on the quarter section next to 
yours." He did so and soon other families moved 
in and we called a meeting for the purpose of build- 
ing a schoolhouse and locating a site for the same. 
I donated one acre on one corner of my land for 
the site and held my first office as clerk of school 
board. A nice log schoolhouse soon went up, fur- 
nished ready for school. One day soon after the 
genial Englishman came around, telling me that 
the wish of the settlers was that I should fulfill my 
promise I had made to him in regard to teaching 
their school. I could not readily refuse, although 
it came rather unexpected to me to be a teacher in 
the schoolroom. And I can look back with a feeling 
of pride when I learned that a goodly number of 
my scholars had crowned their lives with success 
and some had grown to be really prominent in civil 
life. We had previously married and established 
in our little log cabin a pleasant and happy home. 
Our labors were sometimes arduous in the opening 
and clearing of a new farm and getting it into a 
state of cultivation. But the trivial burdens of life 
are a pleasure, when our uppermost thought is that 
we are working for the upbuilding of a home and 
in the interest of those we love. 

A Lonely Ride. 

It was in early winter while my dear wife was 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 23 

away on a few days' visit to her father's home that 
I had an occasion to go to the county seat, 28 
miles away. I started in the morning on horse- 
back, expecting to return before dark, and arrived 
there about mid-day. Being delayed in getting my 
business transacted I did not get started back until 
nearly sundown. Some of my friends there ad- 
vised me to stop all night and not think of going 
back orver the lonely prairie after dark. I had left 
stock that would need attention and I had arranged 
to be back that night and started homeward. Dark- 
ness overtook us when on the edge of the settlement 
some six or seven miles from the town. 




CHASED BY WOLVES. 



From this point for the next fifteen miles there 
was no settlement or building of any kind. The 
route lay across the smooth level prairie, burned 
over. It being traveled but a very little it was dif- 
ficult to discern the slight track after darkness had 
surrounded us. I had great confidence in the fa- 
vorite mare that I rode, for I had frequently rode 
her across many miles of trackless prairie and she 
would always follow the same track homeward. So 



24 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

I always after dark let her do the guiding. After 
riding about five miles from the last settlement 
there was a nice little stream that was skirted with 
quite a growth of timber. After crossing this 
stream my animal seemed to be uneasy and act 
frightened. I looked at my right and saw that some 
large animal was following us. Thinking it m^ight 
be a dog I gave a loud shout, but it did not scare 
a bit. I then realized the fact that we were fol- 
lowed by large timber wolves and without any 
Aveapon to defend ourselves I felt alarmed, and 
wished I had my old shooter. The next ten miles 
distance was covered in a wonderfully short time, 
with the wolves generally in the rear; when slack- 
ening our pace they would be on the side that blew 
the scent from iis to them. A bright light was 
burning at the first house we reached and as that 
shone out into our faces the wolves gave one vig- 
orous howl and took their departure. Wolves were 
quite prevalent in that vicinity at that time, espe- 
cially the kind known as the prairie wolves. It was 
m}^ good fortune to capture nine of them during one 
winter. The state paid ten dollars bounty on them 
for a while on account of their being so destructive 
to sheep and other young stock. 

The Pioneer Preacher. 

Attending the church meetings was what the 
early settlers took much pleasure in doing. It was 
really an attractive sight to see a large load of per- 
sons, mostly ladies, seated on the bottom of the long 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 25 

wagon box that was set upon the large wagon, 
hauled by a stout pair of oxen. Theii^ good nature 
and jovial conversation made it largely imitate an 
old-fashioned sewing society that prevailed in the 
eastern states. A primitive log cabin that was used 
as a tavern was used as a place for the early set- 
tlers to hold their meetings on Sunday. The preach- 
er was on time and ready to hold services. The 
landlord said now the preacher had come they must 
have some meat, so he took down his rifle and start- 
ed out to get some game, returning before the meet- 
ing was over with a nice fat deer. The preacher 
was an eloquent, earnest worker on the farm as well 
as on the rostrum. 

If the room or the weather was warm, off w^ould 
come his coat, which showed it had seen hard serv- 
ice, and would soon have to be replaced, for he, 
like many of his hearers, was in straightened cir- 
cumstances financially. When spoken to in regard 
to his pay for his services he answered, "Get me a 
coat and I will preach for you all summer." The 
next meeting the preacher had a new coat. This 
was one of the good pioneer preachers who did not 
concern himself so much about his salary as he did 
for the saving of souls and the welfare of the 
people. 

Settling Up the Country— Pioneer Life. 

A great change came over that country after the 
settlers came flocking in. At the time we first saw 
it, it was an unbroken forest or an uncultivated 



26 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

prairie. Now has sprung up nice villages and 
towns. Thrifty farmers till the soil, nice dwellings, 
groves and fields and beautiful homes are estab- 
lished all over what was then an uninhabited region. 
We have a warm place in our heart for Minnesota, 
for it was here that we first commenced a pioneer 
life and an independent one, while that state was 
still a territory. It was here that we first built 
our log cabin and established a home. Here we 
helped rear the first schoolhouse and our first church 
in our midst. We gave a helping hand in their 
erection, and we can look back with pleasure w^hen 
we review the pleasant associations that were ever 
transpiring w^hen we were engaged in opening an<l 
settling up a new country, when the elk, the deer 
and the Indians were numbered among our frequent 
attractions. While here there was organized a mili- 
tary company known as the Home Guards, mustered 
in by Captain Asa Way. We took much pride in 
drilling and learning the manual of arms, little 
dreaming we were only just laying the foundation 
of our military education that we afterward found 
to be useful to us, when we shouldered the musket 
and entered the service as a real soldier for Uncle 
Sam. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 27 

CHAPTER III. 

At the National Encampment. 

It was our pleasure to attend the National En- 
campment at St. Paul in the year 1895, and we 
wrote for our home paper the following account of 
what we saw while there: 

"Mr. Editor: Believing it might be of interest to your 
readers to hear something more in regard to what we saw 
on our trip to the soldiers' encampment at St. Paul, we 
propose to give a slight description of a few of the most 
important attractions that came to our notice. We could 
but notice the growth and improvement of the two great 
cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis, during the past thirty-one 
years. They then appeared as villages, while today the 
former numbers over 170,000, and the latter more than 
200,000 inhabitants. The thrift and activity of its in- 
habitants may be attributed to the fact that they so 
largely engage in the manufacture of the essentials to 
support life and comfort to mankind, the manufacture 
and sale of flour and lumber being the leading industries 
of these large cities. Taking the electric car at St. Paul, 
our destination being Central Station, Minneapolis, 
twelve miles distant, we traverse nearly the same route 
we once did while in the employ of Uncle Sam, but hov/ 
changed! It was then ornamented with the wild grasses 
and flowers of the prairies in a state of nature, now a 
continuous street, decorated with pleasant and happy 
homes in a thrifty growing city. The division between the 
Twin Cities is now marked by a more sparsely settled 
street for a short distance. Near this point on the left 
could be seen the tented city. Camp Mason, where some 
12,000 of the old soldiers once more took a taste of army 
life by sleeping on the ground, meeting their old comrades, 
reviewing army scenes, relating incidents of the past, and 
enjoying camp life, though many of the old soldiers 
largely preferred the school houses of St. Paul that had 
their furniture removed and were supplied with mattresses 
for their use. 



28 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

"We could but notice the large number of saloons in 
full blast in these two cities, seeming to outnumber even 
the grocery stores. These saloons seemed to make an 
extra effort in decorating for this occasion, having an 
abundance of flags, banners, pictures and mottoes to make 
them attractive. 

MINNEHAHA FALLS. 

"We next visited the Minnehaha Falls. This is an 
attractive point and a fine summer resort. A fine stream 
of water falling in a thin sheet some thirty feet into a 
deep basin below makes a very beautiful appearance. 

"The Old Soldiers Home is located not far from this 
place near the banks of the Mississippi River, composed 
of a fine lot of substantial brick buildings that are an 
honor to the Sfate in providing so beautful a home for 
the old soldiers who are in need of it. 

FLOURING MILLS OF MINNEAPOLIS. 

"We next visited the flouring mill of the Consolidated 
Milling Co., and were kindly welcomed and shown through 
the large mills. This company has flve of these mills, 
each mill has ninety sets of rollers and turns out daily 
2700 barrels of flour to each mill. After the wheat is 
steamed it goes through no less than seven or eight sets 
of these rollers before it is finished. Every half hour 
samples of the three grades of flour made here is mixed 
with water and placed upon a piece of glass and baked 
in an oven heated by electricity, and in this state any 
defect in it can be readily discovered. The lower floor 
is a busy place, being on a level with the cars that stand 
at the door and are being loaded. They were on that day 
filling an order for England, the flour being put in jute 
sacks holding 280 pounds each. 

"We afterwards visited the Pillsbury mill. This is a 
monster mill doing an immense business, making an 
average of 9000 barrels of flour daily — claiming to make 
more flour than any other two mills on the globe. Its 
greatest day's work was 10,783 barrels. It has eighteen 
run of large burrs and 400 rollers — the whole machinery 
being driven by water power except when ice makes the 
water scarce, then steam power is used. The river run- 
ning through the city has a fall of eighty-flve feet, furnish- 
ing one of the greatest v/ater powers on earth. 

"Several saw mills do a large business. They use the 
band saw that is fifty feet in length and runs with great 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 29 

velocity, requiring but a few seconds to go through the 
largest log. By means of carriers, run by power, the 
logs rapidly follow each other from the river up to the 
saw where they are squared, the slabs passing to the 
shingle and lath saws, while the log goes to the gang 
saw that contains forty saws and is quickly converted 
into lumber. This mill cuts 300,000 feet daily aside from 
making between sixty and seventy thousand lath and 
shingles, 

FORT SNELLING. 

"Taking the street railway car at St. Paul for Fort 
Snelling, six miles distance, we travel through the out- 
skirts of the city and through the rural districts, passing 
many beautiful homes until we reach the terminus of the 
route, by the side of the river opposite the Fort. There 
was nothing about here that seemed any more conspicuous 
than the gorgeously arranged saloon, made attractive by 
the great display of flags, banners, pictures, mottoes, bot- 
tles and glasses, with the busy bartender who seemed 
anxious to make sales to a thirsty crowd. We presume 
any old soldier could get a drink here if he was properly 
identified. 

"We now cross the father of waters upon a substantial 
bridge 180 feet above the bed of the stream the banks 
being very high and steep, and soon land inside Fort 
Snelling. This place is somewhat romantic to the old 
soldier, for here was where we were first initiated and 
took our first lessons in the manual of arms as a soldier. 
It was here we became accustomed to the soldier's fare 
of hard tack and coffee, and made the exchange from the 
feather bed to the soft side of a pine board to sleep on. 
It was here so many fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters 
and sweethearts met and bid each other their last good 
bye, many of them never to meet again on earth. Memory 
of these scenes, as they flash before us, seemed to be a 
reopening of a leaf in the history of the past. The old 
parade ground had lost its familiar appearance. The old 
buildings were gone and replaced by some half a dozen 
fine stone buildings, only the two forts remained. These 
were built in 1820 and were still well preserved. These arc 
some thirty feet in diameter, hexigon shape, two stories 
in height, provided with loop holes suitable for artillery 
below and for musketry above. These are situated upon 
the verge of the plateau or parade ground where the river 
circles around more than a hundred feet below. The banks 



30 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

against the river are surmounted by a heavy stone wall 
some three feet in height. Adjoining at different points 
stand two twelve pound brass rifled cannon, sedately wait- 
ing, ready to speak when directed. 

"We notice the absence of the old prison house in which 
was incarcerated the famous Indian chief, Little Crow, 
with one of his companions. When we gazed into the 
prison, he gave us one look of about three seconds, tha' 
seemed to be enough as he would not turn his eyes toward 
us any more. We noticed he served the rest about the 
same way, he did not like to gaze on soldiers. There were 
many comments made by the soldiers for these culprits 
were engaged in the cruel Indian war upon the settlers 
wherein a large number of early settlers in the vicinity 
of New Ulm, Minn., were ruthlessly murdered and a large 
amount of property burned and destroyed. Many of the 
captured Indians v/ere hanged and why Little Crow did 
not receive the same fate, remains a mystery, as he 
acknowledged having taken the scalps of more than a 
score of the whites. They were kept in prison for a long 
time with a ball and chain attached to the ankle. When 
they were taken out for exercise they were in charge of 
the guards. Sometimes the lot would fall to those who 
had lost their friends in the cruel raid by these fiends. In 
one case the soldier was the only one of a large family 
that had escaped their tomahawks. Of course there was 
a large supply of Indian hatred among the guards and they 
used every effort to induce Little Crow to start out on a 
run considering it a reasonable excuse to shoot him, and 
without doubt he would have got a bullet immediately if he 
had attempted it, but he was too cunning to do so. He 
was afterward released from his imprisonment when he 
returned to his tribe and became their chief. 

"Near by we notice a little village in which dwells the 
officers and their families and all the others connected 
with the Fort. There are 500 soldiers quartered here, 
while the other connections swell the number to 2,500 
altogether." 

Moved to Iowa. 

After a sojourn of about 20 years in the State of 
Minnesota we moved to the State of Iowa, Union 
County, where we engaged in farming-, fruit raising 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 31 

and bee keeping. At this time we can look back 
with pleasant reflections as we review in memory 
the many pleasant associations that yet cling to 
us as we seemingly take a glimpse of the faces and 
forms of our associates with whom we were ac- 
quainted in those years that we so pleasantly passed 
during our sojourn in this grand and noble State. 

Iowa has many attractions for the agriculturist 
and the stockman, and the kind and friendly wel- 
come with which the stranger is received adds to 
the charms of life a reality of more value than silver 
or gold. 

Mormons at Mt. Pisgah. 

Union County has the record of being the home 
of the Mormons after they left their old home at 
Nauvoo, Illinois. Having incurred the enmity of 
the citizens, their leader was captured and killed in 
1846, after which the whole colony took up their 
abode in Union County, Iowa, where they settled 
upon a beautiful tract of land near the banks of 
Grand River. This elevated plain having a very 
conspicuous view of the surroundnig country, was 
named Mt. Pisgah. The country at the time was 
inhabited by wild animals and Indians that were 
destined to roam, rarely molested by the onward 
march of civilization. About this time Uncle Billy 
Locke moved into and made settlement in the coun- 
ty, he being the first white settler to take up his 
abode in Union County. It was with much suffering 
that the Mormons endured the hardships of a pio- 



32 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

neer life and during their short stay liere a large 
number of their colony died before they took up 
their present location at Salt Lake. A beautiful 
monument has been erected to the memories of those 
who died at ]\It. Pisgah. This is erected upon a 
prominent eminence having an unobstructed view 
from the surrounding country, and Avill ever cherish 
and keep in remembrance those who gave their 
lives to their cause while in Union County. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 33 

CHAPTER IV. 

Attending the C. E. Convention at Boston. 

AVhile living on our farm in Union County, Iowa, 
in the summer of 1895. we were chosen as a dele- 
gate to attend the Christian Endeavor Convention 
held at Boston. Accordingly on the morning of the 
fifth of July we started on our journey. We made a 
short stop at Ottumwa to visit friends and had a 
short and interesting visit and a friendly romp with 
the little grandchildren, after which we started on 
the midnight train and arrived in Chicago at 7 
o'clock the next morning. There were in our com- 
pany ciuite a number of Endeavorers who were 
waiting to take the train for Boston, constituting a 
jolly, happy company. Upon our arrival at the 
Union Depot, Chicago, we learned that we would 
have to wait eight hours before our train was ready 
to take us on our journey toward Boston. During 
this interval we availed ourselves of the opportu- 
nity of visiting some of the attractions of the city. 
We found that Chicago had made a wonderful 
change since we first saw it forty years before. It 
was then a mere hamlet in comparison to what it 
is today. The height, symmetry and beauty of some 
of its buildings are truly wonderful to gaze upon. 

Taking the trolley car we visited Lincoln Park, 
six miles away, our journey being made the entire 
distance through the densely populated city, thus 



34 YROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

affordini? an opportunity of seeing nuieh of city 
life and noting the thrifty and industrious, mingled 
with the shiftless and vagrants that make up the 
population of a great city. Upon arriving at the 
park the first visit was made to a large stone build- 
ing. Here were gathered a large collection of the 
curiosities of the world, varying in size from the 
great mastodon, 13 feet in height, found in Wash- 
ington when that State was a territory, the ele- 
phant, lions, tigers, bears, and specimens of nearly 
all the wild animals found in the known world, 
varying in size from the elephant down to the little 
white mouse. Among the feathered tribe were 
found myriads of specimens, from the great os- 
trich to the little humming bird, also every spe- 
cies of the insect tribe with thousands of other 
curiosities that were carefully arranged for the in- 
spection of the visitors that were ever finding some- 
thing of interest in the museum. We next visited 
the cages of the living wild animals. Here we 
found a large variety, elephants, lions, tigers, leop- 
ards, white, black and cinnamon bears, deer, elk, 
buffalo that once roamed wild over our prairies. 
There were also many attractive little ones, the 
young of the above classes of animals, aside from 
many others of the smaller variety of animals. Next 
we came to the beautiful flowers. Here were four 
acres arranged in plats and were now in full bloom. 
They were nodding their heads and sending out 
their fragrance from the crimson, the blue, the 
white, the yellow, the pink, all the variegated colors 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 35 

seemed to vie with each other in making the best 
appearance in filling their mission in life. Foun- 
tains were constantly playing among the flowers and 
cages of the animals that cooled the air and formed 
a delightful scene. 

A beautiful monument is erected here to the 
memory of General Grant. He is on horseback, 
the horse standing upon a granite base. It is a 
lifelike and imposing picture that the old soldiers 
like to look upon. General Logan's monument of 
bronze is a nice representation of the General. As 
the old soldiers gather around these monuments 
they like to discuss the actions and merits of these 
old warriors. The old soldiers may never expect 
an imposing monument. Their monument is a monu- 
ment of fame engraved upon the hearts of the 
American people. 

We left Chicago on the afternoon train, running 
on the Grand Trunk railway, toward Boston. We 
passed through the great city of Chicago. As we 
neared the outskirts of the city the grand struc- 
tures that were seen on every hand gradually grew^ 
more scattering until we reached the rural districts 
with the broad prairies dotted here and there with 
the rural mansions of the agricultural classes. 

At this place, as we were slowly passing an un- 
improved tract of land, a gentleman called the at- 
tention of those about him, saying there was a 
grand chance for a speculation, informing us that 
this land could be purchased for $250 per acre. 



36 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

and any one wishing to speculate on real estate 
would do well to invest. 

We soon left the smooth prairie country of Illi- 
nois with its fine farms and splendid improvements 
dotted with the beautiful artificial groves and com- 
fortable buildings, bearing the marks of thrift 
and industry on every hand. 

Soon we enter the State of Michigan. Here we 
find a more undulating surface dotted with its 
natural groves, pearly streams and silvery lakes 
changing the scene from the really attractive to 
the beautiful. At this point about 125 miles from 
Chicago, the evergreen trees that stand pre-eminent 
among the ornamental trees of the earth begin to 
make their appearance, interspersed among the 
natural groves of this locality. We proceed on, 
passing farm houses, lakes, rivers, groves, and plains 
toward the northern boundary of the state. 

Under the St. Croix River. 

We are about to enter one of the wonders of the 
works of man. The brakeman enters the car and 
closes every ventilator and window. The train here 
makes a peculiar noise somewhat resembling a bul- 
let slowly rolling down the barrel of a musket. We 
are now traveling directly under the St. Croix 
River, passing through a huge iron tube 19 feet 
ten inches in diameter and over a mile in length. 
We enter this tunnel in the State of Michigan and 
emerge at the other end in the Province of Canada. 
Contrary to our expectations we find smooth level 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 37 

country devoid of timber, covered with a light coat 
of mid grass and occasionally streams and ponds 
on some of which fine little boats were sailing and 
their occupants appeared to be having a pleasant 
time. The country through here was rather sparse- 
ly settled. As we traveled farther north natural 
groves and clumps of timber began to appear and 
before we reached Toronto several large bodies of 
heavy timber were lying along our route. We no- 
ticed some of the settlers through these parts had 
a taste for the ornamental and had transferred some 
of those elegant evergreen trees from the forest to 
their own door yards, giving them a neat, tasty 
and beautiful appearance. We noted the farming 
operations were on rather a small scale. Occasion- 
ally a small field of corn, but generally small grain, 
peas, and root crops seemed to take the lead. Cat- 
tle and hogs were scarce when we compare them as 
seen in our travel through Iowa. As we approached 
nearer the city of Toronto the country seems more 
thickly settled and the houses present a more state- 
ly appearance. 

Upon our arrival in the small hours of the night 
we are informed that it is Sunday and the law 
forbids the running of trains on that day in Can- 
ada. In this respect their morality is far ahead of 
the ever-grasping disposition of the people of the 
United States. They do not have so many laws 
but what they have they see that they are rigidly 
enforced. The railroad, street car and hackmen 
operators are all given a rest on this dav and the 



38 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

busy toilers eagerly accepted the privilege of at- 
tending divine worship at some of the many 
churches in this beautiful city. This city has the 
name of being the neatest city on the continent. 
We have no reason to dispute this assertion, for it 
seemed the neatest and most quiet city we have ever 
visited. The hotels and restaurants were the only 
places we saw opened for business on this day. 
Toronto has a population of 200,000. The most 
noted building in this place is the Parliament 
Building, located on a slight eminence in the heart 
of the city. It is a very large, fine building built 
of granite. 

Some of the streets are peculiarly situated, they 
branch off in angles from this building similar to 
the spokes in the hub of a wheel. Near the end of 
this building earthworks are thrown up. Behind 
these works are two cannon that were taken at Se- 
bastapol and presented by Queen Victoria to the 
City of Toronto. These cannon are so arranged 
that they have range of the entire streets leading 
to the building on the side where they are located, 
making a great advantage in repelling an enemy. 

We noticed one of the main streets leading 
through the city was unlike any other street we had 
even seen. There were three rows of ornamental 
trees of the different varieties of shade trees plant- 
ed directly in the middle of the street, extending 
from one end to the other. These trees had the ap- 
pearance of having been planted 25 or 30 years and 
furnished an abundant shade. Two nice walks were 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 39 

laid beneath these trees, also several seats were 
placed at intervals between the walks so the weary 
traveler could rest. There was plenty of space for 
vehicles to pass on either side of these trees, for 
the street was without sidewalks, the pedestrians 
using the center walks. There is a small island out 
in the lake about a mile from shore. This is fitted 
up as a summer resort, having a large hotel, opera 
house, skating rink and several other places for the 
entertainment of those who wished to take a short 
trip on the steamer and get away from city life and 
enjoy the fresh breezes from the lake. We found 
the people of this citj^ very courteous and obliging 
and the Endeavorers, numbering over eighty, who 
were on this excursion, expressed themselves in 
generous terms for the grand reception and kind 
treatment they received from the good people rf 
Toronto. 

Early the next morning we were on our way to- 
ward Boston. When daylight appeared we found 
we were gliding along near the St. Lawrence 
river, passing vast domains of an almost treeless 
country, with the exception of occasional groves ol 
timber that were scattered in groups along the 
stream. Among this timber was a mixture of other 
varieties but the beautiful evergreens lifting their 
lofty heads and swaying branches shadowing the 
limpid water of the great river, as the morning sun- 
shine spread its tinted rays over the whole scene 
produced a pleasing picture. The imagination can 
only partially reveal its grandeur. 



40 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

The Thousand Islands. 

We soon come to the Thousand Islands, where 
many miles along the river seems to be a mixture 
of land and water. Some of these islands contain 
large tracts of land upon which are erected splendid 
mansions and large hotels. These are used as sum- 
mer resorts for those who wish to spend their vaca- 
tion during the summer months in sailing, fishing 
and hunting, taking advantage of the various means 
of recreation. These islands are of various sizes 
and shapes and are largely covered with evergreen 
trees. Some are but a few feet across and like 
mere dots in the river, while the swift current in- 
dicates it has a firm foundation of solid rock. 
Measuring from one of these small islands it in- 
dicates the depth to be at or near one hundred 
feet. The route by the side of this river and lake is 
very picturesque. The irregular banks of the river 
and lake on one side while on the other the homes of 
the settlers intermingled with nature and art seem.- 
ingly vieing with each other in their attempt to 
produce unlimited attraction. The fine houses and 
the attractive landscapes, the broad prairie with its 
fine groves, the rippling waves as they dash upon 
the shore, the great steamers as they move along 
like living things, the great ships as they are passing 
to and fro in mid lake, the pleasure craft as they 
glide along bearing their happy burdens of joyous 
humanity. Little groups of children as they wander 
along the beach gathering the shells or rolling in 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 41 

the sands, sending forth their joyous shouts, doing 
their part toward enlivening the occasion. Near the 
head of the lake steamers make their trips to the 
falls of Niagara. 

Niagara Falls. 

These falls have a world-wide reputation as one of 
the greatest wonders of the world. The Niagara 
river, on which they are located, is one of the most 
renowned rivers on the American continent. It is 36 
miles in length and forms a portion of the boundary 
line between the United States and Canada. It is 
through this river the water of the great lakes 
empties itself into the Atlantic ocean, forming as it 
were, the connecting link between Lake Erie and 
Lake Ontario. The great Falls are located 22 miles 
from Lake Erie and 14 miles from Lake Ontario, be- 
ing mereh^ a link in the chain that conducts the 
waters of Lake Superior to the Atlantic ocean. This 
lake is the largest body of fresh water in the world, 
being 335 miles in length, 160 miles in width and 
about 1,000 feet in depth. These large bodies of 
water are augmented from the surplus waters of the 
other great lakes, Huron, Michigan and St. Clair, 
and several rivers that empty their contents toward 
the Niagara and effect a drainage of a large portion 
of the country that surrounds them, thus forming a 
volume of water that seems comparatively irresist- 
ible. The scenery along the banks of this river is 
really romantic. The pine and cedar furnish a 
large portion of the trees that fringe the outline of 



42 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

the deep gulch in solid rock through which the 
mighty waters make the grand rush toward their 
destination. Add to this the mighty roar of the 
great cataract Avith its turbulent waters rushing 
onward amid the waves, ripples, foam and mist pro- 
ducing a scene that the beholder may view in no 
other light than that of awe and grandeur. One 
viewing the river above the falls meets many grand 
scenes of the beautiful. The nice residences and 
large hotels and the numerous islands often ob- 
scurely enshrouded among the beautiful evergreens 
that sway their lofty heads and swaying branches 
are attributes to the enchanted scene. 

Above the Falls the river is dotted over with 
numerous islands of various sizes. The most conspic- 
uous among these is Goat Island, it being the largest 
of the group. It has an area of 60 acres and is situ- 
ated above the Falls and forms a division of the 
rapid current as it is making its final leap over the 
great cataract. This division of the stream produces 
the American and the Canadian Falls. The be- 
holder views with wonder and consternation this 
volume of water more than one-half mile in width 
and 20 feet in thickness falling a distance of 165 
feet. The earth trembles for a long distance around 
and the terrible roar is deafening. Spray and mist 
is continually arising from the concussion of the 
waters below. The sun shining upon these produces 
the most magnificent display of the rainbow in all 
its variegated colors, producing a scene of beauty 
and amazement. The river above the Falls is of an 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 43 

average depth of some 20 feet. While the rapid 
current below the Palls has a varied depth of from 
75 to 200 feet, hemmed in by nature's handiwork, a 
solid wall varying in height from 100 to 200 feet. 

On the Canada side of this river is the famous 
battle ground of one of the bloodiest battles of the 
war of 1812, known as Lundy's Lane, in which Gen- 
eral Scott, commanding 1,000 men, gained the vic- 
tory. The river takes a comparatively straight 
course until it reaches the great whirlpool, located 
three miles below the Falls. Here it courses on- 
ward in almost a direct right angle from its previous 
course, forming the renowned whirlpool, drawing 
everything toward its vortex. Logs or other float- 
ing bodies often continue their circuitous route for 
months before they find their exit, at right angles 
from their entrance. This great basin is sided with 
the strong cliffs 300 feet in height while the con- 
tinual wearing away of the rock for many centuries 
has formed a basin estimated to be 400 feet deep. 
The famous suspension bridge of the Michigan Cen- 
tral Railroad crosses the river two miles below the 
Falls. This bridge is built over a narrow place 
in the river, it being 500 feet in length and 240 
feet above the water. From here the passengers on 
the trains can get an excellent view of the Falls. 
Continuing by the side of the lake and river the 
entire day on the fast train, as darkness came on we 
still were gliding along near a large body of 
water. 

The next place we reached was the great city of 



44 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Montreal. This is a city containing over 300,000 in- 
habitants. Just before reaching the city we crossed 
the St. Lawrence River on the great iron bridge. 
This is a grand structure, having the railroad tracks 
below and the wagon road above. It is two miles 
in length and is a marvelous piece of workmanship. 

The business portion of the city of Montreal is 
built largely of brick. The great cathedral towers 
up among its surroundings as one of the great 
attractions. This building is supposed to be sur- 
mounted with the largest bell upon the continent, 
its weight being nearly thirteen thousand pounds. 

The inhabitants seemed to be of an industrious 
turn, the business houses having a good trade, more 
particularly the beer saloons that were quite nu- 
merous and doing a rushing business. A delegation 
found a tribe of Indians were visiting here exposing 
for sale numerous fancy articles of beadwork and 
found a good trade among the Endeavorers. 

We now proceed on our way to the New England 
States, passing through the country that seems the 
natural home of the evergreen trees that here raise 
their lofty heads toward the skies, here scattering 
and there in groups, exhibiting their rich foliage 
and sending forth their pleasant fragrance, scenting 
the atmosphere with its richly laden and health- 
giving breezes. As we proceed the country seems 
more of an uneven surface with occasionally a large 
hill producing a romantic scenery interspersed with 
cultivated fields and gardens, farm houses and 
forests. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 45 

CHAPTER V. 

New England. 

We soon are gliding over the Vermont Central 
Railroad and are fully convinced that we are ap- 
proaching the New England hills and rock-bound 
coast. The great mountains tower their lofty peaks 
first on one side of our route and then on the 
other. Some very close, some in the far distance, 
their smooth surface covered with nature's mantle 
of green, indicating their name. The wonders of 
the world may truly be witnessed as we view the 
mountains, the ocean, the lakes, the rivers and 
streams. Vermont may truly be said to be a land 
of hills and valleys. The hills are largely covered 
with rock, in fact many of them are nearly all rock. 
The valleys between the hills Avere where the houses 
were built, the neat little dwelling with the barn 
and orchard and the other convenient surroundings. 
The horse, the cow, the hogs and the chickens were 
all happily domiciled and domesticated on the lit- 
tle domain of but a few acres, the children making 
demonstrations of joy indicating that this to them 
was a happy home. Some of our company expressed 
themselves when they noticed the degree of fru- 
gality they exhibited in the care of their crops 
and the caution used that nothing be wasted. They 
could but note the difference between farming in 
Vermont and farming in Iowa, stating that very 



46 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

many of the farmers in the State of Iowa allowed 
more to be wasted than the entire crop of some of 
these small farmers. Yet they rear their children, 
supply them with schools and churches and instill 
into them habits of industry, frugality and morality 
and they become educated along this line from early 
childhood and prove to. the world that upon these 
fundamental principles rests the prosperity and 
happiness of mankind. The soil though seeming 
somewhat sterile, with the thorough cultivation 
given by these industrious people, produces abun- 
dant crops of such grain and vegetables as are 
most needed for their use. A traveler was once 
riding through this country. Noticing the hills and 
the rocks and the poor quality of the soil, he 
thought it poorly adapted for the rearing of any 
kind of crops. Presently meeting an old lady he 
accosted her wuth the question, ''What do you 
raise in this part of the country?" The reply he 
received was unexpected but to the point. As she 
reared her stalwart form to its full height the an- 
swer came, ''AVe raise men, sir." Her answer may 
truly be verified, for among these natives of the 
rocks and hills of Vermont and New Hampshire have 
been culled some of the most renowned men of the 
nation, both in civil, and military life. Their habits 
of prudence, industry and morality vouchsafed to 
them the elements of success that ever attend those 
that have these qualities. It insures to them the re- 
ward that ever awaits those who are blessed with 
proper training from early childhood. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 47 

Some of these settlers were not contented with 
what farm land there was in a single valley, this 
being surrounded or nearlj^ so, by a steep ledge of 
rocks serving as a permanent fence on the too- 
angular sides, while the front toward the track was 
fenced with a substantial stone wall. A quarter of 
a mile away was another valley similar to the first 
that was also used for cultivation. There seemed 
no road connecting these valleys, only the railroad, 
and having hay to rake in this valley a man started 
through the cut of the railroad track with a rake 
and horse attached, probably not thinking of the 
excursion train coming at a rapid rate, until he 
Avas overtaken when nearly through, and rake and 
horse were dumped off in a confused mass. 

We now can see the rocks, hills, mountains and 
streams of New Hampshire. While we are proceed- 
ing onward our sweet singers strike up one of their 
beautiful songs that go so far towards brightening 
life's pathway and cementing more firmly the "tie 
that binds." We occasionally passed a little village, 
a regular New England village, with its church, and 
schoolhouse, its blacksmith and wheelwright shops, 
its store and postoffice and the few cozy dwellings 
that go to make up the center of attraction to the 
settlers in the vicinity. These all present a thrifty 
and tidy appearance. 

Daniel Webster's Farm. 

One of our number advanced the question, wish- 
ing to know how such farms as these would rent 



48 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

in the State of Iowa. This brought to our memory 
an incident that occurred several years ago when 
Daniel Webster, the noted lawyer, statesman and 
orator, was doing business in Boston. In one of 
his trades he came in possession of a small farm in 
the State of New Hampshire. He was owner of this 
farm several years, but owing to professional duties 
that were ever pressing, he had never seen it. One 
summer while taking a trip to the White Moun- 
tains he thought he would stop off and take a view 
of his possessions. Going up to the little dilapi- 
dated dwelling he rapped on the door. His call 
v\^as answered by a stern elderly lady who wished to 
know what he wanted. He asked her if he could 
get a drink of water. ''Certainly," she replied, and 
handed out to him a tin dipper of water. He then 
asked her how long she had lived there. She 
replied, ''Several years." He then asked her how 
much land she had there and if she owned it. 
"No," she said, "it belongs to a lawyer who lives 
in Boston by the name of Webster." "Hoav much 
rent do you have to payf" "Rent, we don't pay 
any rent, and if he don't come pretty soon and fix 
up the house I will go off and leave it. I Avill not 
stay here freezing." 

From the external appearance of many of the 
farms, to the western farmer their views on the 
system of renting would be all they could raise and 
the house kept in good repair. With all these mea- 
gre surroundings have come forth men of excellence 
to the state and nation and the highest offices in 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 49 

the gift of the people have been honorably filled by 
the parties who came from these states. 

It seemed perfectly natural for them to find an 
answer for every question. A stranger driving 
through that country during a cold and backward 
spring accosted a boy who was at work in an ad- 
joining field, asking him what the matter was with 
his corn, what made it look so yellow. "Why," said 
he, ''We planted the yelloAv kind." "Well, what 
makes it look so small?" "Why, father went away 
over to Uncle Bill's to get some of his small kind." 
"Well, it don't look as if you would get more than 
half a crop." "Well, we don't expect but half a 
crop; we put this in on shares." The stranger 
concluded it was hard to outwit one of these Yan- 
kees, although nothing but a boy. 

Our train is now rapidly rolling along by the 
side of a small stream, a tributary to the Merri- 
mac River. We follow the water course by crossing 
and recrossing as we speed onward toward the 
capital of the state. Concord is a fine city situated 
on the bank of the Merrimac River. 

Hannah Dustin Monument. 

Just as we reached the river there came to our 
view a large nice stone and marble monument, 
beautifully carved and surmounted by a life-size, 
beautiful female figure. This monument is erected 
to the memory of Hannah Dustin upon Contoocock 
Island, a small island in the river near the city. 
She was one of the pioneer settlers in the early his- 



50 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

tory of this country and clearly exhibits the skill, 
nerve, bravery and endurance of the early settlers 
of that day. In an early day the Indians who are 
ever treacherous, would occasionally get on the war 
path and slyly and cruelly commit the most barbar- 
ous depredations ever known in warfare. On one of 
these raids upon the settlers the Dustin family were 
suddenly attacked, Mr. Dustin being at work in 
the field. Hurrying to the house he got out his 
family of wife and eight children and ordered a 
hasty retreat. Mrs. Dustin having a babe only a 
week old, she with her nurse, fell into the hands 
of the savages. As prisoners they were marched 
into the wilderness. The babe becoming trouble- 
some, cried. Not liking this, one of the savages 
snatched it from its mother and killed it. They 
continued their course for several days into the 
dense forest, and at night as they lay about the 
campfire in an exhausted condition they were soon 
sound asleep. Mrs. Dustin stealthily arose, awak- 
ened her nurse, also a boy who had been previously 
taken prisoner. They had learned from the Indians 
how to strike a blow that would produce instant 
death. Securing each a tomahawk and planning 
each their part, at a given signal the blows were 
struck and of the tAvelve sleepers ten lay dead. 
One, a squaw, was not fatally wounded; the other 
being a child, was spared through design. She 
who had but a short time previous given up all 
hope of ever seeing her loved ones again, was now 
master of the situation. Animated with the hope 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 51 

of escape she immediately commenced to carry out 
her plan. Having first secured the gun and toma- 
hawk and a bag of scalps as trophies of her hero- 
ism, they commenced their journey through the 
forest. They soon found a stream; this they fol- 
lowed believing it would lead to civilization. By 
the bank of the river they found a canoe. They 
seated themselves in this and floated down the 
river for several days and nights until they came 
near to the point where the monument now stands 
erected to her memory, and were greeted with the 
greatest joy by their loving friends who had given 
up all hope of ever seeing them again. 

We next arrive at the city of Nashua. This is 
a fine-looking place. One peculiarity about it is the 
material of the buildings, nearly every structure 
in the town being composed of hard brick. 

We soon come to the large manufacturing cities 
of Lawrence and Lowell. These places are noted 
for the large number of cotton factories where the 
numerous operators turn out immense quantities 
of manufactured goods that have gained a world 
wide reputation for their excellent qualities. The 
falls in the Merrimac River produce the excellent 
water power that propels the great machinery that 
furnish employment to the thousands of male and 
female operatives that are employed here. These 
cities may truly be called the cities of ''spindles," 
on account of the quantity and quality of manu- 
factured goods that are annually made from the 
raw material. 



52 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

CHAPTER VI. 

C. E. Convention at Boston. 

We are now approaching the great historical 
New England city— Boston. We find it swept and 
garnished and attired in its very best and ready to 
cordially receive its visitors to the great convention. 
When we arrived at the Union Depot we were met 
by a large number of enthusiastic, happy, smiling 
Christian Endeavorers who cordially greeted us to 
their city and the great convention. Every question 
asked was cheerfully answered. Guides were fur- 
nished to direct or accompany us to any place we 
wished to go. We were astonished at the decorative 
display. The first motto that greeted us was met 
as we stepped on the platform from the crowded 
train. The Christian Endeavor flags could be seen 
in every direction, while in gold edged, highly col- 
ored, large ornamental letters was this one motto 
that seems to thrill the heart of every true En- 
deavorer : ' ' For Christ and the Church, Welcome, ' * 
emblematical of the true religion and the upbuilding 
of the doctrine of righteousness and Christianity. 
These mottoes were displayed upon every church, 
booth or headquarters for the meeting of the En- 
deavorers, w^hile the flags were in wonderful pro- 
fusion, placed upon nearly every business house 
along the line of our travel. The delegates as they 
arrived were directed to the headquarters of their 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 53 

respective states, which was one of the many differ- 
ent churches throughout the city. Upon arrival 
there and presenting the proper credentials, we 
were given a program of the meeting, also a badge 
entitling the wearer to enter all meetings of the 
convention. We were surprised to note the wonder- 
ful growth of Boston since we had left the city in 
which we were employed as a clerk in a hardware 
store more than forty years before, at which time 
we became very familiar with many portions of 
the city. Wonderful changes had been wrought in 
the straightening of the streets and the erection of 
new buildings; the places that had been very fa- 
miliar to me now seemed strange. Union Street, the 
one that had been traversed by me daily for many 
months, was now made wider and straightened and 
the one and a half story wooden building that we 
occupied had been replaced with a fine four-story 
brick that presented a fine, but to me an unnatural, 
appearance. 

When we neared the ''Common," the great at- 
traction of the day seemed to be two very large 
tents that were surrounded by dense crowds of 
people. Upon our approach we were admitted to 
find them seemingly packed, but like the old fash- 
ioned omnibus, there always seemed to be room for 
one mxore. After the usher had found us a com- 
fortable seat we were deeply impressed with the 
size and character of the audience. Fifteen thou- 
sand persons were said to be in this great audience. 
It seemed like a sea of faces in whatever direction 



54 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

we looked, and more than that, they seemed to be 
lit up and radiated with love for the Divine Master. 
We have attended quite a number of different kinds 
of conventions but this one for real enjoyment sur- 
passed them all. They seemed like brothers and 
sisters in reality and without waiting for an intro- 
duction were endeavoring to carry out the true 
principles of their motto, "For Christ and the 
Church." During the few minutes before the regu- 
lar exercises commenced it seemed a grand social 
gathering. Though thousands of miles intervened 
between their homes, they were as of one mind and 
heart and were using their best efforts to make 
those near them to feel happy and it seemed as 
though they met with remarkably good success. In 
this great tent were assembled 15,000 persons whose 
hearts were enlightened and made glad and beat 
in sympathy in the one grand cause for which they 
had assembled, to advance the standard and pro- 
mote a deeper interest in the great work assigned 
to this Christian organization. Aside from this 
one were two other assemblages of equally vast 
proportions, and equally enthusiastic in carrying out 
the plans to promote the great Avork assigned to 
them as workers in the Lord's vineyard. Here were 
in attendance to this great Convention delegates 
not only from every State in this glorious Union of 
ours, but representatives to this grand gathering 
from very many of the other countries of the world 
who w^ere interested in the grand object of this 
great gathering. Among this assemblage could be 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 55 

found representatives from Canada, England, Scot- 
land, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Australia, India, 
Japan and Africa. With such a representation from 
so large a portion of the world and representing the 
best principles of the people, represented in the true 
light of Christianity and having for its object the 
salvation of the souls of their fellow beings, could 
we think otherv\dse than that such a gathering, 
illuminated Avith the light of love for the great 
Master, would result in a most joyous occasion. 

Governor Greenhalge gave the Endeavorers a 
grand treat in his address of welcome to the State 
of Massachusetts. His earnest manner and wise 
sayings were received with marked effect, in the 
beautiful words that he used in welcoming this 
great army to the State of Massachusetts. His 
speech made a deep impression upon his audience 
as he championed the cause of Christianity and 
with well chosen words highly applauded the so- 
ciety of Christian Endeavorers. We were deeply 
impressed when several months later we received 
the intelligence that he had gone to his reward 
and we trust was gladly welcomed by the heavenly 
host in the great beyond. He left a memory to the 
living not readily forgotten. His energy and earn- 
estness in the cause he championed seemed to place 
him in near touch with the people. 

The presiding officer of this session of the great 
Convention was Francis E. Clark, the founder of 
the movement. In his address he spoke highly of 
the earnestness manifested and the progress made 



56 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

among the willing workers in the great cause they 
were advocating to carry out the true spirit of their 
motto, ''For Christ and the Church." 

Secretary Baer read his annual report and gave 
statistics thai showed the magnitude of the great 
and good work that was in progress and the won- 
derful success it had already attained. In his re- 
port he stated that there were 1563 societies in the 
State of Iowa. There were in attendance 773 dele- 
gates from that State. In noting the progress it 
had made during the past year not only in regard 
to members, but the amount of good influences that 
had been scattered broadcast throughout the land, 
is worthy of not only comment but careful consid- 
eration, as it tends toward a higher life and a 
greater degree of usefulness. He stated that during 
the past year 202,000 persons taken from the ranks 
of the Christian Endeavorers had joined the various 
churches throughout our land. What an influence 
for good. It clearly shows that Christianity is 
rapidly advancing through the aid of these workers 
in the Master's vineyard. Happy thought, that the 
world is growing better and that sin, misery and 
wretchedness are being banished from our midst. 
Thousands of voices sent forth their most melodious 
strains in worship of the Supreme Ruler whose true 
promise is to lead us safely on to the realms of 
eternal joy. Some flfteen speakers took the stand 
and each made from five to eight minute speeches 
of the very best thoughts they had for this occasion. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 57 

It was truly a rare treat aiid a fund of enjoyment 
to every seeker of true happiness. 

At the close of the morning session appointments 
were made to hold services at the many different 
churches throughout the city. These meetings were 
largely attended by those of a true worshipping 
spirit. Noted speakers from all over our land who 
were interested and had a word for ''Christ and 
the Church" took an active part in these meetings, 
consequently they were made very enjoyable occa- 
sions. 

Faneuil Hall. 

The mayor in his address of welcome said he not 
only welcomed them to the privileges of the city but 
to all the other places of interest to them, stating 
there were several places of deep historical interest 
that he wished them to visit before they left for 
their homes. These were Paneuil Hall Bunker Hill 
Monument, the Old North and the Old South 
Churches, the harbor where the tea was thrown 
over board, the Museum, the State House and other 
public buildings, the public garden and the various 
memorial monuments and statues that graced the 
public places of the city. Faneuil Hall is one of the 
ancient landmarks of the city, being built in the 
year 1741, a donation to the city by Peter Faneuil, 
who generously showed the interest he manifested 
in the general welfare of the inhabitants of the city 
of Boston. It was at this hall that the famous 
town meetings were held. These meetings were for 



58 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

the instruction of the classes, both young and old, 
rich and poor, assembled and upon an equality en- 
gaged in discussion on all the local questions of the 
day. The great question of liberty was here dis- 
cussed until the minds and hearts of the people were 
truly imbued with the true spirit of freedom. The 
voices of Benjamin Franklin, Daniel A¥ebster, Hor- 
ace Mann, Edward Everett, Theodore Parker, Henry 
Clay and a host of others were made to resound 
upon the ears of the eager listeners until the whole 
people seemed to be burning with a glowing fire 
of patriotism. This hall is called the ''Cradle of 
Liberty," for here the great question was incubated 
and the plans were laid that afterward resulted in 
the independence of the people. It was here in this 
Hall that the great meeting was held in which the 
"Boston Tea Party" was formed and the party of 
men disguised as Indians boarded the vessels and 
emptied three hundred and forty-two chests of tea 
into the water. This little episode stirred up a 
spirit of wrath and indignation toward the colonists 
that finally led to the clashing of arms. Probably 
the oldest public building now standing is the Old 
State House that was built in the year 1712. This 
building faces Court Square upon Court Street, and 
still retains its primitive appearance. Although the 
storms, sunshine and blasts of more than two cen- 
turies have fallen upon this graceful structure, it 
still retains its original beauty, having been well 
preserved. The next oldest building now standing 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 59 

in the city is the Christ Church that was dedicated 
in 1723. 

The Old North Church. 

The Old North Church is another of the old land 
marks of historical record for it was from the 
belfry of this church that the lanterns were dis- 
played that gave the signal to Paul Revere that the 
British were coming to make an attack upon the 
colonial army on the night previous to the battle 
of Lexington. Revere having previously made an 
agreement with an old gentleman who was in sym- 
pathy with the colonists that he should display the 
lights from the steeple of the Church upon the re- 
ceipt of his knowledge that they were coming. He 
was expectantly waiting on the impatient horse and 
when the lights appeared, he rapidly sped his way, 
giving the alarm as he went, arousing the sleeping 
settlers as he traveled the entire distance to Lex- 
ington. The next morning the first battle of the 
Revolutionary War was fought, it being on the 19th 
of April, 1775. 

The Old South Church is still in a good state of 
preservation and one of the attractions of the pres- 
ent day. This church was used while Boston was in 
the hands of the British as a training school for 
their cavalry troops. It is at the present time used 
as a museum of antiquities and stands among the 
foremost of the ancient attractions of Boston. 



60 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Bunker Hill Monument. 

Bunker Hill Monument is also another one of the 
attractions of this ancient city. This is a granite 
shaft 221 feet in height, erected to perpetuate the 
memory of the great battle on the 17th of June, 
1775, also to mark the spot where General Warren 
sacrificed his life for the cause of Independence. A 
stranger coming to this city views with wonder 
and astonishment this massive structure towering 
heavenward among its surroundings. Among the 
first prisoners that were captured by the Yankees 
during the Civil War was a lot sent to Fort Warren, 
Boston. They were not very well versed in the 
history of their country as the conversation with 
the guard shows. When they beheld the towering 
shaft their curiosity was aroused. "What is that 
tall thing?" says one. The guard informed him 
that it was Bunker Hill Monument. ''What is it 
there for?" The guard informed him it was to 
mark the place where General Warren fell. ''Did 
it kill him?" "Certainly, he died right there." 
"Well, I should think it Avould have killed him if 
he fell from the top of that thing." 

The Public Garden. 

The public garden is one of the grand attractions 
of Boston. When I first saw Boston Common, it 
contained a nice little pond known as the Boston 
Frog Pond. After the introduction of the water 
from Cochituate Lake this pond was enlarged and 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 61 

laid out in an irregular shape so it does not look 
much like it did when Benjamin Franklin and his 
playmates used to play in and about it. When we 
last saw it small steamers were plying upon it that 
carried passengers around the pond that appeared 
to be after the pattern of the spread eagle, its 
irregular shape making it quite a distance, and the 
sail was greatly enjoyed and highly appreciated by 
young America. 

The profusion of plants and flowers in this gar- 
den were truly beautiful and interesting to behold. 
That lovely word welcome was tastefully arranged 
from the growing plants and was viewed with ex- 
clamations of delight while the rarer and tropical 
plants furnished a scene that was truly appreciated 
by the Endeavorers. 

The soldiers' monument is a prominent and an 
interesting figure. This monument is built of stone, 
100 feet in height, some forty feet square at its 
base, upon four pedestals which are surmounted 
with life size bronze figures of the soldier and sailor 
dressed in their uniforms and weapons of warfare; 
also two female figures, one holding a book and 
pen, the other bearing the olive branch of peace 
representing peace and progress of the nation. 
Nearby is the large bronze figure of General Wash- 
ington on horseback. These figures are about twice 
the natural size and make a very imposing appear- 
ance. There are several other noted statues, among 
them, Atticks, the first man killed by the British in 
the war of revolution. 



62 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

The State House stands on Tremont Street and 
facing the Common. The grounds are kept in fine 
shape, beautiful walks surrounding and crossing in 
different directions among the green grass and 
lovely flowers. Beautiful shade trees lend their 
shade to the travelers as they promenade on these 
walks. Nearby was a large bronze lion in a sitting 
posture with a small stream of water continually 
running from its mouth, also an iron dipper that 
was kept chained for the convenience of thirsty 
travelers. There were people ever promenading on 
the beautiful walks beneath the shade of the large 
trees. During the heated term they took advantage 
of getting the pure air and exercise at the Common 
and Public Garden. 

The Park Street Church stands near the Com- 
mon, it being one of the old land marks. Some 
forty years before it was our privilege to hear Henry 
Ward Beecher lecture on temperance in this Church, 
when Dr. Lymm Beecher and his five sons, all min- 
isters, were present with him in the pulpit, while 
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin," sat on the platform in front, forming an 
interesting feature of this renowned family. Al- 
though all or nearly all have passed away, they 
have left their influence mingled with many pleas- 
ant memories behind them that is even now being 
felt. 

Endeavorers Visit Salem. 

At one of the sessions of the Endeavorers an in- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACH-IC 63 

vitation was given them to visit Salem, situated on 
the coast some fourteen miles from Boston. This is 
a nice city and one that I always have taken a deep 
interest in, for I was born and raised only six miles 
distant from it. The Endeavorers sent word that 
they w^ould be down the next day, 10,000 of them. 
Being somewhat anxious to see old Salem again I 
went down that night in time to attend a meeting 
of the Endeavorers, over which the Mayor presided. 
He spoke of the visitors that they were expecting 
the next day, said they were strangers in their city 
and he wished them to be entertained and wel- 
comed in the best manner possible. ''Many of your 
parlors," said he, ''I have never seen the inside of, 
but I want you to open your parlor doors, invite 
them in; you need not be afraid of them, for they 
are composed of the very best class of people we 
have in our land." 

The next day, according to agreement, the En- 
deavorers came flocking in trainload after trainload, 
and were gladly welcomed by the Endeavorers of 
the City of Salem. They paraded the streets in 
bands, in flocks and in droves. A joyous crowd 
were they. Every face seemed to be lit up with 
the light of God's love that brings peace and hap- 
piness to the soul. Near the street corner w^here 
I was standing with quite a number of others, was 
an old farmer bent w4th age. The foremost of the 
company struck up one of their most beautiful songs 
that are always so inspiring, and when joined by 
the whole party seemed to fill the whole surround- 



64 FROM TilFi ATLANTIC TO THE PACIITC 

ings with melody. "AVhat kind of folks are these 
Christian Endeavorers?" asked the old farmer. 
"They are the happiest set of folks I ever saw in 
all my life." We truly believe that the old farmer 
was right, for where can you find a happier people 
than those who we find enrolled among that number 
who have obligated themselves to work for "Christ 
and the Church.'' 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 65 

CHAPTER VII. 
Seeing the Sights. 

The Endeavorers were now wide awake and very- 
anxious to see the sights. They soon met a reporter 
that they nearly put out of business by asking him 
five or six questions all at once. They wished to 
know where the first church was located? The old 
witch house? The house of seven gables? Gallows 
hill? The house where Hawthorne was born? Where 
could they see the tide waters? He said the ques- 
tions came from this company of young women so 
thick and fast that he was entirely frustrated and 
greatly baffled in his calling. 

The first Church in the country was built in the 
year 1634, although the church was organized in 
1629. It was a very heavy framed building, sixteen 
feet by twenty, thirteen feet in height. The in- 
terior contained a very high pulpit at one end; on 
one side was a gallery, supported by heavy posts. 
These posts had to be encased with a wire netting 
to keep the visitors from taking off little pieces to 
retain as souvenirs of this wonderful building. A 
portion of the pews were still in the building. 
Visitors were not allowed in the gallery as that was 
being used for the storage of quite a lot of the old 
style machinery including the spinning wheel and 
loom, and other real old fashioned things. This old 
building is held in high esteem by the citizens of 



66 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Salem. It is nearly surrounded by large brick 
buildings and is well protected from fire. The 
weatherboarding is kept well painted, and upon the 
front a billboard contains the following: 

''Church organized August 6th, 1629. Built 1634. 
Rodger Williams the first pastor." 

ARTICLES OF COVENANT. 

"We covenant with the Lord and with one an- 
other and do bind ourselves in the presence of God 
to walk together in all His ways according as He is 
revealed to us in His blessed word of truth." 

Rodger Williams, though a just and good man, 
disagreed with the leading members of his church 
upon some doctrinal points and was with direful 
threats banished from his country. Starting out on 
foot and alone into the dense forest, traveling for 
many days in a southerly direction, subsisting upon 
such as the forests afforded, barks, roots and herbs, 
he finally encountered a party of Indians that 
proved to be friendly to him. They took him to 
their camp where he was kindly received and cared 
for. To prove their friendship they furnished him 
with a home and treated him in a very friendly 
manner. All of this kind treatment he looked upon 
as coming through the dispensation of a kind Provi- 
dence that guided his steps to the pleasant sur- 
roundings he there found. So he named this place 
Providence, being on the site where the city of 
Providence, Rhode Island, now stands, that great 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 67 

and noble city that had such a miraculous begin- 
ning. 

The Old Witch House. 

The old witch house that was among the first 
where witchcraft prevailed, is still now standing. 
Nearly two centuries have passed since it was among 
the most noted of the times in which the people of 
Salem and from a long distance around were deal- 
ing with that terrible delusion that brought sorrow, 
suffering and death to so many of the inhabitants. 
The Endeavorers were greatly interested in viewing 
this house which at this time was showing its age, 
though it still maintained its original shape and 
promises to be a sight for the beholders for a long 
time to come. 

That afternoon an open air meeting was held on 
the Common. Two colored orators spoke before 
the vast crowd assembled there. One of these was 
Bishop Arnett from Ohio; he is a grand speaker, 
having a rich mellow voice of great volume. With 
words and thoughts from the wonderful mind that 
he possessed, accompanied with his splendid oratory 
and his wonderful love for the work of the Master, 
could it be thought otherwise than that he held his 
audience spellbound as he uttered in his rich flowing 
language the beautiful words of the Savior's love 
and His wonderful mercy to all, if they will accept 
His promises and strive to do His will. 

There was present at this meeting the man that 
first signed the Christian Endeavor Pledge. He 



68 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

made a short speech on the speaker's stand and 
spoke in highest terms of the Christian Endeavor 
movement. There was present one man who was 
the son of a Revolutionary soldier, being a musician 
on the speaker's stand. 

The same evening we attended a meeting at one 
of the churches. Several fine speakers were pres- 
ent and addressed the gathering. Among them was 
the Mayor of the city. There was also in attend- 
ance on the platform a Chinaman and an Indian 
who were students from their schools. The first 
said he was educating himself to be a missionary, 
as he had found that wondrous Love that had 
been so good to him. He wished to go back to his 
own countrymen and teach them the way that 
leads toward that heavenly city where Christ 
reigns. Another young man, an Indian from the 
Indian school, stood before the audience and spoke 
in his broken English of the great advantage he had 
received from the Christian Endeavor movement, 
hoAv he had been elevated since he first begun the 
Christian life. Said he, "Three years ago I lived 
in a wigwam and wore a blanket and could not 
speak a word of English." What a contrast, as 
he now appeared before this audience dressed in 
a fashionable suit and in his broken English speak- 
ing of the Savior's love and telling what Christ 
and Christian Endeavor had done for him. He 
wished to qualify himself so he could go back 
among his friends and kindred and associates and 
preach to them the gospel of Christ that he had 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 69 

found SO precious to him. As I viewed these two 
young men that had been brought from darkness 
unto light, reared from the dark places of the 
earth and now treading the pathway of righteous- 
ness, I w^as forced to believe what a grand and 
noble thing it is to be a Christian and work ''for 
Christ and the Church." 

Salem Witchcraft. 

At an early date in the year 1692 a strange 
delusion came over the citizens of Salem. There 
was a minister by the name of Parris that had 
several children that seemed to be ungovernable. 
Their parents or any one beside could not seem to 
manage them. While at church they would talk 
or scream during the services disturbing the con- 
gregation, and as they could not be quieted it was 
believed they were bewitched. Committees of ex- 
amination were held to ascertain the cause and who 
it was that bewitched them. During this time the 
terrible mania spread to other children. Courts, 
committees, judges seemed to foster no other belief 
than that they were laboring under the influence 
of this terrible scourge. They would ask them to 
tell who the person was that bewitched them. 
When a person was named they were placed 
under arrest and drawn before the court for trial. 
They were almost unanimously found guilty and 
committed to prison. The people believed in witch- 
craft, even those of the highest rank and re- 
spectability. Clergymen, lawyers, judges, and the 



70 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

best talented people of the town were in full sym- 
pathy with that belief. Courts were held, the 
accused were found guilty, after more than fifty 
arrests had been made, many of them from the most 
pious and respected people in their midst. One, 
an old lady, who doubtless got in a hurry to get 
her apple dumplings boiling, did not stop to peal 
or core the apples but put them in whole; this new 
way before unheard of was considered proof 
enough to cause her arrest; accordingly she was 
brought before the court, pronounced guilty and 
thrown into prison, as one who was under the in- 
fluence of Satan. After twenty persons had been 
publicly hanged on the gallows that was erected 
on the hill nearby, and many of the best citizens 
had been tortured and hanged, the people awoke 
to their superstitious belief and greatly regretted 
and mourned that they were so foolish as to listen 
to the pranks of a few unruly children. One judge, 
who had taken an active part in the prosecution 
of these people, afterward so deeply regretted it, 
that on the day of their annual Past he would 
arise in his seat and make an acknowledgment 
of the error he had committed and prayerfully 
asked that he might be forgiven. 

Gallows Hill. 

The Endeavorers were anxious to see Gallows 
Hill and were kindly escorted to the spot which 
had become greatly changed since it became the 
place of the execution of the persons who were so 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 71 

cruelly destroyed and their lives blotted out be- 
cause, through ignorance and superstition, they 
were supposed to be witches. The march of progress 
had changed from the barren hill to a well ar- 
ranged street with nice buildings that take the 
place of the dreaded instrument of death that took 
the lives of so many persons who were guilty of no 
crime, only supposed to be witches. Thus Gallows 
Hill exists in history and likely its name will ever 
be handed dow^n to all future generations as a mark 
of the superstitious belief that our forefathers ex- 
ercised in regard to the Salem witchcraft. 

Hawthorne House. 

The Endeavorers were very much interested in 
viewing the old curiosities. It was especially so in 
regard to the old houses and public buildings in 
the city of Salem. It was quite an attraction to 
see the house that furnished the birthplace of the 
great writer and scholar Nathaniel Hawthorne. 
The Endeavorers gathered there in droves to see 
it. This is a large two story house presenting a 
rather old appearance. It was divided into quite 
a number of rooms and furnished the dwelling place 
for several families. One thing very peculiar about 
it was its wonderful chimney, for it was built at an 
early date, when the belief was that every fireplace 
must have its separate flue. The uniting of these 
from the different fireplaces into one chimney made 
it of immense size and of a very irregular shape 



72 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

and pronounced by the visitors as a wonderful 
chimney. 

House of Seven Gables. 

This is another of the old attractions of the 
city of Salem. It is a large two-story framed 
house standing by the side of the bay. It is of a 
peculiar build, having a bulged roof and also hav- 
ing seven gables. This house is known far and 
wide and its fame has gone into history as the resi- 
dence of Hawthorne and where he did the most of 
his famous writings. It is situated near the sea 
and is called the Haw^thorne House. Here is seen 
the broad expanse of the water with its many 
ships, vessels and boats passing to and fro. It 
was here that he gazed upon the placid waters as 
they presented a calm and peaceful scene, filling 
life with hope and joy. It was here also that he 
viewed the turbulent waters when the fierce storms 
came and the troubled sea rolled in its monstrous 
waves following each other in quick succession, 
lashing the shore with its terrible fury. Then, after 
the storm, a most beautiful sunset appears. A 
glorious sight is the sunset upon the ocean. The 
rolling waves as they send upward their foaming 
crests seem also to be illuminated with an inward 
light that spreads its rays upward toward the 
variegated crimson sky. producing a scene that the 
most skillful artist cannot paint; nor can the ready 
writer picture in words the grandeur of the beau- 
tiful panorama of the heavens and sea. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 73 



Lincoln Moniunent. 

Standing upon a high pedestal is the life size 
figure of the lamented Lincoln. He stands erect 
with his head bowed while directly in front is the 
form of an African slave upon his knees looking 
imploringly into the face of his benefactor as he 
holds up his shackled hands to have the shackles 
removed. We were deeply impressed as we gazed 
upon this monument as it brought to our mind 
the sacrifices that were made by those who took 
an active part in rendering aid in the removal of 
these shackles. We thought of the heart aches, 
the suffering and the death of the thousands who 
were engaged and were the most interested in hav- 
ing the flag of freedom float proudly over our land 
and bringing peace, freedom and prosperity to the 
Nation. 

The Tides. 

The Endeavorers visiting here were very much 
interested in viewing the water in the bay as the 
larger portion of them had never seen an ocean, 
and it was with much interest they watched the 
great waves as they came rolling upon the shore. 
The tides to them was a curiosity as it seemed 
difficult for them to understand why it was the 
water ebbed and flowed. As they went down many 
of the little boats were floating upon the water 
near the shore; a few hours later when they re- 
turned the water had receded and they were quietly 



74 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

resting on the bottom of the bay. A spring of good 
fresh water is found sending out a good volume of 
water that a short time before was eight or ten feet 
beneath the ocean waves. Along the sea-shore 
may be seen the different shells, the sea weed 
composed of the many different plants and vegeta- 
tion of the mighty deep. The fierce waves break 
or loosen them from their holdings and they are 
swept in huge quantities on the shore or beach. 
From the oft and continued lashing of the big 
waves the beach becomes very compact and hard, 
affording a grand place for pleasure riding that is 
largely used by persons wishing to get the full 
benefit of the pure ocean breeze. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 75 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Sea Shore. 

The New England coast is a rockbound coast. 
Its irregular shore forming many bays, nooks and 
creeks that present to the beholder a very pictur- 
esque view of the many different curiosities. Oc- 
casionally a small space is found where the rocks 
are absent. It is here where the nice beaches are 
found oftimes covered with the pure white sand, 
affording nice places for bathing in the surf. Fre- 
quently after every tide there is left some speci- 
mens of the ocean's products. It may be some large 
fish or shark or lobster, crabs and horse shoe, with 
the jelly fish. Add to these the many different kinds 
of shell that are scattered promiscuously along the 
beach and it affords an attraction of deep interest 
as we view the many curiosities that are floated 
ashore by the great ocean waves. 

Attractions Along the Coast. 

Here may be found the mansions of the well-to-do, 
and the ones that have retired from the business 
life in which they have laid by a fortune, and wish 
to spend a quiet life away from the noise and 
tumult of the busy city. Here may be found the 
home of the millionaires with their costly mansions 
located all along the coast upon every little sightly 
eminence overlooking the broad ocean. Here they 



76 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC mJf^^^^m^m 

can view the many different ships and steamers that 
are continually making their regular trips to and 
fro between Boston and the nearby ports that con- 
nect their commercial interest between England, 
France, Germany^ China and Japan and the other 
great nations of the earth. From this coast there 
is a most magnificent view of the ocean and its 
wild, broken and romantic appearance given it by 
its scattering pines and its rocky coast mingled 
with continual splashing of the great waves. It 
seems like a combination of art and nature be- 
tween sea and land. Along the coast leading from 
the town of Beverly to Kettle Cove and Mackerel 
Cove and Beverly Farms has often been described 
by strangers as having the most attractive scenery 
of any place they have ever visited, and was chosen 
by President Taft as his su;mmer resort. 

The Islands Along^ the Coast. 

We could not give a real description of the out- 
lines of the coast without a mention of the islands 
that are scattered along within a few miles of the 
shore. Among these Misery Island is the largest 
and located one mile from the shore. It contains 
one hundred acres of soil and rocks. Near the cen- 
ter of this island is a pond of fresh water. The 
grass grew in abundance here and afforded fine 
pasturage for stock. Cattle were frequently swum 
over in the spring and allowed to remain until fall, 
when they were taken back well fitted for the butch- 
er's block. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 77 

When I first visited tliis island tiiere was but one 
house upon it, in which there lived a family. Un 
my last visit there it was well supplied with large 
hotels, summer resorts and many beautiful buildings. 
Near to this is Little Misery Island and still fur- 
ther out into the sea is located Bakers Island. This 
island is favorably known by the seafaring men as 
one of great importance to the sailors who sail their 
crafts to and from the different ports in this vicinity. 
This island contains the beacon light that is a 
never failing guide to the mariner. Its light is 
different from all the other lights along the coast. 
It contains a high and substantially built tower. 
Near the top of this the light is so arranged that 
it keeps up a continuous travel around the tower, 
occupying nearly a minute in making the circuit. 
While the light is in full view it is discerned in all 
its brightness; as it travels around it seems to the 
eye to lose its brightness and grow smaller until i^ 
is entirely obscured behind the great tower, but soon 
again comes in sight, continually growing in bright- 
ness until it comes into full view. There are a great 
many of the Government lights scattered along the 
coast. This light is so arranged that it forms a key 
to the others in the immediate vicinity, as the others 
may be located from the peculiarities of this one. 
A vessel coming in from sea, as it comes in view 
of the different lights, very frequently mistakes 
one for the other, for in full view may be the lights 
of Manchester, Beverly, Salem, Marblehead and sov- 



78 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

eral others. Shipwrecks I'requentiy occur thruugii 
mistaking one light for anotlier. This revoivmg 
light is a great help in defining the position of the 
ditferent lights in that vicinity. 

There are several other islands near this coast, 
among which we might name Lowell island, u being 
a favorite summer resort. It has a good supply of 
fine buildings, supplied with numerous other atirac- 
tions that are held out to the public to induce them 
to spend their vacation and visit at some of the fine 
and stately hotels of this island and take advantage 
of the splendid opportunity of fishing, hunting and 
bathing in the exhilarating w^aters of the Atlantic. 
Among the other islands are the Little Misery, the 
Gooseberry, the Chubs and others that are situated 
near the coast. As we were reared only a few miles 
from this coast, we used to make frequent visits to 
these islands. 

The Breakers. 

One of the most dangerous obstacles that the sailor 
has to contend with as he traverses the sea is the 
hidden reefs of rocks that lie just beneath the sur- 
face of the ocean. 

Such a ledge of rocks, some three or four miles 
from shore, is called the Dry Breakers because it 
is seldom that the entire reef is under the ocean 
waves. Some five or six miles farther out in the 
ocean is another reef known as the Breakers. This 
is quite an extensive ledge of rocks that is just 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 79 

hidden beneath the waves that are continually lash- 
ing and breaking, sending up the foaming waters 
that may be seen from a long distance in a clear at- 
mosphere. These hidden obstacles plainly reveal to 
us the hazardous life of the mariner as he is ap- 
proaching the shore. The utmost precaution is used 
for their protection. During the night the lights 
are brightly burning. If the weather is foggy the 
peal of the fog bell may be plainly heard sending 
out its warning tones from the various lighthouses 
warning them that the breakers and the rock-bound 
coast is nigh. 

The Pilots. 

Upon the arrival of ships wishing to enter the 
different ports along the coast, their first duty is 
to run up a flag as a signal for a pilot. If one does 
not come to meet them they come to an anchor 
and wait for the pilot boat. This is usually a fast 
sailing boat that is manned usually by about half a 
dozen men who are well acquainted with the coast, 
composed largely of retired sea captains who have 
spent a large portion of their lives traversing the 
mighty deep and have become familiar with all ob- 
stacles liable to be in the pathway of the approach- 
ing vessel as it steers into port. These men are 
formed into a company that obligates itself to be 
responsible for all damages to vessel or cargo while 
piloting it to its destination. Upon the arrival of 
the pilot boat usually one of its men goes aboard 



80 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

of the vessel, when the entire command is given to 
him by the captain, who frequently retires to his 
room, Avhile the craft is safely piloted into port. 

Manchester by the Sea. 

This is a nice little town by the seaside. It was 
our privilege to visit this town on the day it was 
celebrating its 250th anniversary of the arrival of 
the Arabella with Governor Winthrop of the Colo- 
nist. This was a grand affair, witnessed by a large 
gathering of people assembled, a repetition of the 
great event of 250 years ago that founded upon 
the seacoast the nice little town of Manchester. The 
people of the city of Salem and vicinity had ar- 
ranged a flatboat upon which they had constructed 
a duplicate of the grand old ship, the Arabella. It 
was a great curiosity to see this wonderful craft 
come sailing into the harbor with its sails all spread 
and the grand old flag a-flying amid the booming of 
cannon and with the exultations of joy mingled 
with the strains of the ''Star Spangled Banner." 
The wild Indians skulk around in the distance. 
The great crowd that gathered were very enthu- 
siastic and seemed to imbibe the spirit of the old 
settlers of two and a half centuries ago and were 
active in carrying out the program and entertaining 
the large number of visitors Avho had come to their 
town. 

The Lieutenant-Governor of the state gave an able 
and interesting address that was well received and 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 81 

applauded by his hearers. While here we came in 
contact with an old comrade who was unfortunate 
in losing his sight by the premature discharge of a 
gun. I obtained from him the following lines that 
give a wonderful meaning to the life of the unfor- 
tunate blind: 

A Blind Man. 

'Mid sorrow and sadness I'm destined to roam; 
Forlorn and forsaken, I wander alone. 
The works of art and nature are hid from my view; 
The pleasures of life, I must bid them adieu. 

I hear the birds, at the gray of the morn, 
Singing praises to God for the day that is born. 
I long to behold them, in their plumage so gay; 
But alas! it's all dark — for me there's no day. 

I feel the soft, gentle breeze as it sweeps o'er the fields. 
Bearing the fragrance of flowers which they yield. 
Those sweet, fragrant flowers, how delicious to me! 
But their bright colors I never shall see. 

I hear the gurgling streams as they roll on their way, 
Reflecting in their shadows the sun's bright ray. 
Their soft, gentle murmurs, how delightful to me! 
But their bright, sparkling water I never shall see. 

I hear the merry laugh of the gay, busy throng; 
Friends meet friends as they hurry along: 
While I grope my way, some shelter to find, 
O' God! what an affiiction it is to be blind! 

God! I beseech Thee, bestow on me grace 
To help and support me in death's cold embrace! 

1 long to depart; set my captive soul free. 
In that spirit land where the blind shall see. 

Rockport. 

Taking the train at Manchester, we soon were 
on our way toward Rockport, which is located 



82 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

along the coast near Cape Ann. This is a wonderful 
rocky country, some good soil in proximity to the 
coast, but the larger part of the country has its sur- 
face covered with rocks, some of them the size 
of a good-sized building. Rockport is a nice little 
town, having a number of fine buildings. I made 
a visit to my cousin, whom I had not seen for 32 
years. We were shown the nice G. A. R. hall that 
had just been completed, also made a visit to the 
old church that had recently been repaired, and 
presented a nice appearance. This is one of the old 
land marks and noted for its having a cannon ball 
lodged in its steeple during an engagement in the 
war of 1812. 

Rockport has a fine harbor, although faulty in 
one respect. It was not protected enough from the 
storms and hea^y seas that swept in during a storm. 
I was informed that the Government had made 
an appropriation of $100,000 a year and $700,000 
had already been expended and about 300 feet of 
the breakwater had been completed while the long 
distance across the bay was still incompleted. This 
barrier for resistance of the waves was made by 
merely dumping in the rock in quantities sufficient 
to reach to the surface of the water, it being about 
90 feet in depth at the part already completed. It 
has the promise of being a splendid harbor when 
completed. 

Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. 
We cannot give a thorough and accurate account 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 83 

of the attractions along the coast without giving a 
slight account of this pleasant pastime that was so 
well appreciated by many of the settlers living near 
the coast, it was the usual custom for the farmers 
in our neighborhood to get up a fishing party and 
spend a day out on the ocean fishing and bring 
home a nice lot of hsh. The joyful news was al- 
ways hailed with delight when we were informed 
that we could go, for we anticipated with delight 
the pulling in of the big fish and the nice sail upon 
the big waters. 

These fishing parties usually occurred soon as 
the farmers completed the planting of their crops in 
the spring and also again in the fall. They were 
looked upon as the farmers' gala days. 

The neighbors, after consulting each other, would 
set the day to go a-fishing. Having secured a nice 
sailing boat convenient for carrying the persons 
wishing to go, and also the skipper, as he was 
called, who took upon himself the full charge of the 
boat for which he was paid the sum agreed upon 
for the round trip. Early in the morning we would 
sail directly out upon the sea, sometimes stopping 
at some favorable spot, where near some hidden 
ledge the finny tribe would congregate to secure 
their food from the myriads of mussels that are fas- 
tened to the rocky ledges in the depths of the sea. 
Previous to stopping the sails were lowered alid the 
heavy anchor was dropped into the sea. The stout 
hook, well baited with mussels or clams, attached to 



84 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

a stout line having for a sinker a leaden weigiii oi 
from live to eight pounds, was let down imtil it 
touched the bottom of the ocean, it was then 
raised up about three feet and allowed to rest upon 
the lingers. Soon a signal of a bite would be felt; 
a quick jerk and a steady hand-over-hand pull and 
the big hsh is brought over the side into the boat. 

it is an exhilarating pastime when ten or a dozen 
of our neighbors each are pulling in the tinny tribe 
of the deep. My hrst experience in this line was 
when I was eleven years old and I was fortunate in 
catching the largest fish of any of our party. It 
was just about as long as I was tall. I felt proud 
of my success, for I caiight that day just as many 
fishes as I was years old. We put in only a portion 
of our time fishing, as we enjoyed sailing, and 
would frequently sail out from fifteen to twenty 
miles. We would always visit some island and en- 
joy the regular old fisherman's fish chowder. 

Caught in a Storm on the Atlantic. 

While yet in my youth, when we w^ere engaged 
in one of our fishing trips, we met with a serious 
difficulty. We encountered one of those severe 
thunder storms that frequently occur along the New 
England coast. It was accompanied by a very heavy 
wind and terrific thunder and a regular downpour 
of rain. We landed on one of the islands, taking 
shelter in an old unoccupied building until nearly 
dark. The storm having a-bated and the anxiety of 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 85 

the company to go to their homes being great, we 
concluded we had better start out. Our skipper, 
who was an old sea captain and a good seaman, said 
if the storm was no worse we would not have much 
difficulty in sailing our boat to the landing at Bev- 
erly, it being about six miles distant, but the wind 
being contrary to the course we wished to take, it 
would be necessary to "beat" our way in that di- 
rection, consequently it would be a much longer 
distance to get into port. Our company was com- 
posed of that ' ' hoodoo ' ' number, thirteen ; never- 
theless there were some grand good folks in the 
little crowd. 

The ocean was very rough when we left the 
island. As we proceeded on our course the velocity 
of the wind increased and a fierce storm w^as upon 
us. The great waves rolled until they seemed moun- 
tains high and every wave threatened to swamp our 
little craft. The lightning glimmered in all its beau- 
tiful grandeur and the deafening peals of thunder 
seemed to add horror to the frightful scene. The 
most of our company w^ere lying flat upon the bot- 
tom of the boat holding on to whatever they could 
grasp. Some were praying, some were groaning, 
some were crying and all were doing a wonderful 
lot of thinking. As w^e lay there and looked up 
to see the high walls of water on each side of us. it 
seemed as though these great waves w^ere destined 
to deluge our boat. Just then, as the lightnins" 
flashed, I caught a glimpse of my father's face. He 



86 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

was in the stern of the boat and had hold of the 
helm, sitting there as pleasantly as if he were sitting 
by his fireside in the old arm chair. My father was 
a good man; he had put his trust in the Lord, and 
no doubt had asked his Heavenly Father for our 
protection. I put the utmost confidence in him 
and when I saw him sitting there without a sign 
of fear, I banished the thought that we were to be 
lost. When I looked into his face the fear for our 
safety had vanished, for father had the helm and I 
believed he would take us safely to the shore. 
Would that we could all confide in our Heavenly 
Father with as much reliance as we have in an 
earthly parent. 

The old sea captain, upon the approach of the 
storm, gave father the helm while he gave his at- 
tention to the sails. After a while the storm abated 
and our little craft bore us safely in toward the 
shore where we arrived at a late hour. Friends 
were there to meet us with a warm reception, ex- 
pecting that the severe storm had caused the great 
Avaves to swamp our little boat and we were all lost 
in the sea. They were really pleased to meet us and 
surprised to see the nice lot of fish we brought home. 
The old sea captain said with his many years of 
sailing this was one time he thought we would all 
go to Davy Jones' Locker. The thirteen all arrived 
home in safety, but several of them said it was the 
last time they wished or even intended to have an- 
other similar experience. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 87 

After an elapse of some forty years, it was our 
pleasure to visit again the old neighborhood and 
we found that of the thirteen who composed this 
eventful fishing party only one besides myself was 
then living. 

Cape Ann. 

Along the coast a few miles from the village of 
Rockport is what is knoAvn as Cape Ann. All along 
this coast it is bounded with irregular ledges of 
granite rock. Some of these are scattered over the 
surface adjacent in such numbers that a pedestrian 
must walk on their surface if he wishes to travel in 
that vicinity. Some are extremely rough and ir- 
regular, extending out their rough and high points 
along the edge of the ocean, while others present 
a bold front and more regular surface that rises 
high above its surroundings that present to it a 
wild and romantic scenery. Standing upon one of 
these promontories there is in full view with its 
many attractions the different ships and vessels as 
they are constantly passing, showing the different 
flags and the various nations of the world. As we 
gaze upon the dashing waves, sending up the foamy 
waters and listen to the breakers and dashing waves 
as they force themselves against the rock-bound 
coast, it produces a sense of awe and grandeur. 

On a level plain that was strewn thickly with 
large rocks that seemed as if they might have 
dropped down upon the ground, covering it thickly, 



88 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

was one that weighed from fifteen to twenty tons 
that was evenly balanced between two other rocks; 
a child, or even the wind, could move it back and 
forth some two inches. This was called the bal- 
ancing rock and a singular freak of nature. 

The stone quarries near here at the time of our 
visit furnished employment to a large number of 
men, getting out different patterns from the gran- 
ite rock that w^as sent away to other ports. While 
there we saw two large pillars, twenty-five feet in 
length, five feet at their base, three and a half at 
the top. These were grooved from top to base, and 
the sum of $3,000 each would be received on de- 
livery to the city of Philadelphia. Other designs 
furnished employment to the many workmen em- 
ployed at this place. 

The Devil's Tracks and Den. 

While traveling in from the shore we find more 
of Nature's curiosities. The surface is much broken, 
covered with broken ledges of rock, some of im- 
mense size, some presenting a very rough and un- 
even surface, others have a large, somewhat smooth 
exterior. Across the surface of one of these are 
plainly visible three distinct tracks of a very large 
human shaped foot that have the appearance of 
being made when the rock was in a soft condition 
like mud. The tracks are about three feet part, 
leaving a good imitation of some large person walk- 
in across the surface when the rock was soft. These 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 89 

tracks always went by the name of the Devil's 
Tracks. 

A short distance from the latter place was a 
huge ledge of rock extending upward. Against this 
large rock was a large flat one leaning against it. 
making a cave in which a party of us once took 
shelter during a storm. This cave, with all its 
peculiarities and attractions, was given the name 
Devils' Den. 



90 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

CHAPTER IX. 

Visiting in the Vicinity of Old Home. 

Leaving the seacoast in the vicinity of Miugoes 
Beach we pass through Mackerel Cove, Annisquam, 
and Montserat, and next arrive at Wenham Neck, 
where we saw the old school house where we had 
spent many pleasant hours attending school. Mem- 
ories of the bygone days come vividly to mind as 
we stopped in front of the old familiar farm houses 
and were kindly greeted by strange faces instead 
of the welcome reception by old friends. A genera- 
tion had passed and gone to the great beyond. Oc- 
casionally one would be found, but the greater por- 
tion were absent from their old home and only a 
very few of my old acquaintances could be found. 
All the neighbors who were heads of families had 
passed away. Certainly it did not appear natural 
as we approached their homes to be met by those 
who were strangers to us. 

The Myopia Club. 

A short distance from my old home was a nice 
farm that was owned and farmed by a man who was 
president of the Essex County Agricultural Society 
for quite a number of years. He seemed to be 
foremost in promoting the interests of that society, 
being college bred and a good worker for the cause ; 
but like the most of the other old settlers, Father 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 91 

Time had overtaken him and he had passed away. 
After his death the farm was sold a-nd passed to 
other hands. It was purchased by a company known 
as the Myopia Club. This was composed of young 
men from the neighboring cities, principally sons of 
millionaires or the very rich class of people. They 
remodeled the old farm house, turning it into a 
grand mansion or hotel. New barns were built and 
old ones remodeled. The broad acres were stocked 
with sixty horses and sixty dogs. Many of these 
were imported, being of the old Etnglish hunting 
stock. Six men were busily engaged in taking 
charge of the horses and two having the care of 
the dogs. The horses were in training each day 
and being taught to jump fences with riders on their 
backs. The dogs were taken from their quarters 
for exercise, one attendant in advance on horse- 
back and the other in the rear with a long whip. 
They sometimes were taken many miles to sret to 
the starting point that the company had previously 
agreed upon where they were to have the next 
hunt. 

When they first started their hunting- they let 
loose a lively fox and one-half of the hounds were 
put on the trail. These were immediatelv followed 
by the mounted riders, oftentimes accompanied bv 
the ladies. The fox would go over walls and fences. 
TTere the .lumping qualities of the horses were put 
to a* severe test, as the fox would sometimes sret 
several miles from their starting point and go 



92 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

through the fields of grain or other crops. The 
horses were supposed to l^eep near the hounds. As 
a result oftentimes the crops were greatly injured 
if not hopelessly destroyed. In order to make this 
matter all satisfactory with the owners of the 
grounds a man followed with a purse of money and 
immediat:ely pays all damages to the satisfaction 
of the parties. Some who would not take any dam- 
ages, their names were taken and an invitation 
given to attend the next hunt and enjoy the banquet 
that was given after the game was captured. 

This banquet was composed of all the rare deli- 
cacies of the season that could be procured and a 
good supply of wines and liquors were also in- 
cluded. The person receiving the invitation was 
supplied with a riding horse and all the equipment 
necessary to enjoy the hunt axid the banquet ^Adth 
the invigorators thrown in. We learned that some 
of the old farmers enjoyed it so well they would 
get real happy on these occasions. 

After the first set of hounds were fatigued the 
next relay was put on when the poor, tired fox was 
soon captured, after Avhich the festivities com- 
menced. The fox sometimes ran so far that an- 
other plan was used. A horse and rider would start 
out dragging over the ground a bag filled with fox- 
scent attached to a long rope. The hounds would 
readily follow this. Thus a favorable route could 
be picked out, as they knew where the hunt would 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 93 

terminate and seemed more favorable in promoting 
their amusement. 

The Polo Game and Shirt Race. 

There were several other games that v^ere played 
here for exercise and amusement, among them was 
the polo game. This game was played en their 
grounds near the depot thai: they purchased at an 
excessive price and fitted for their favorite game. 
Whenever a hunt or a game of any kind was to 
come off it was previously advertised in the papers 
and the public invited to attend. Thus large crowds 
were usually in attendance and esteemed it a plea-s- 
ure to witness these exciting games. The polo game 
was played on horseback. Each rider was furnished 
with a long-handled mallet and similar to the foot- 
ball game, one side would work lustily against the 
other and required expert horsemanship to carry 
out their designs when the riders from the different 
sides were making a grand rush to hit the ball a 
crack, to send it favorable to their side. 

Aiiother exciting game was what was called the 
shirt race that always carried with it the applause 
of the multitude. A row of horsemen might be 
seen in line just inside the stone fence of a few 
acre field, while on the opposite side would be 
standing a row of young ladies each with a nice 
laundered shirt. The game was the one that would 
ride across the field, take the shirt from the hand 
of the young lady, put it on and button it, and get 



94 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

back to the starting point first, where they all 
started at the same time, was declared the winner 
of the prize. The prize was a nice gold watch, a 
purse of $100, or something similar. This was a 
very exciting race and created a fund of merri- 
ment. 

Visiting the Old Home. 

Back again to the house where I was born. What 
a wonderful change time had wrought during the 
thirty-one years of my absence. Many of the old 
trees were gone, others had grown into large trees. 
The buildings had changed and a strange face met 
me at the door. I was welcomed into the old sitting 
room, but no mother was there, no father was there, 
no sister, no brother, for they had all gone. I was 
ushered into the parlor chamber when the thought 
of the scene of many years before occurred to me, 
for here was Avhere I was summoned when seven 
years of age to appear at her bedside, and well do I 
remember as she took my little hand in hers, and 
placing the other upon my head, she commended me 
to the allwise Being who governs all, pleading for 
His care and protection and requesting that I so 
live that I would ''meet her in heaven." These 
were the parting words of my mother. I cried my- 
self to sleep that night when told that mother would 
soon die. The next day my mother was dead, but 
her last request has never been forgotten and my 
desire is to see that it is fulfilled. Though many 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 95 

years have flown, it is fresh in my memory yet. 

I visited the places where we spent so many pleas- 
ant hours with sister and brother, out in the orchard 
where we hurried to get to our favorite tree, in the 
meadow as we gleefully gathered the berries along 
the wall, over in the woodland where we gathered 
the nuts and hunted the squirrels, in the pond where 
we waded to get the sweet-scented lilies, and gather 
the flowers along the hillside and by the side of the 
little river where we spent so many pleasant hours 
fishing or bathing in the crystal stream. AVith feel- 
ings of sadness we looked back upon the shadowy 
scene and note the loved ones as we accompanied 
them to church, at school and around the pleasant 
fireside, with their faces all gleaming with joy and 
gladness, but who now are numbered among the 
past. It is through the tender mercies of a kind 
Providence that I, as a remnant of a once happy 
family, am spared to tell the tale and keep alive the 
memories of those we loved. 

Visit to the Cemetery. 

After perambulating around over a large portion 
of the old farm we went down the hill, crossed the 
meadow and the beautiful little river that was as- 
sociated with so many pleasant memories from early 
childhood that now seemed almost like a dream of 
the past. We then ascended the hillside through the 
timber, crossed the level plain and here entered the 
' ' City of the Dead. ' ' But what a change had taken 



96 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

place since 1 had left. A generation had passed 
away and were resting in this cemetery. Here we 
gazed upon the names of our old neighbors and 
friends that we had so often met and with whom we 
were so intimately acquainted. They were now 
resting in company with our dear and loving friends. 
After wandering around looking at the tombstones 
of the departed ones, I became wearied and stretched 
myself on the grass in front of my parents' graves, 
and memories of the past flitted up through my 
mind. I thought of father, mother, sister and brother 
and the many friends and associates who were now 
lying all around me, and the thought occurs: Why 
am I spared? The answer came: Your mission in 
life is not filled. 

Nearby stood a tombstone upon which the follow- 
ing epitaph was written: 

"As you are now, so once was I; 
As I am now, so you must be. 
Prepare for Death and follow me." 

This grand old man had passed away but he had 
left a pleasant memory, one that will be cherished 
and kept in remembrance long after he had bid 
adieu and ceased to be an actor in the busy scenes 
of life. While we were still musing on the things 
of the past and hardly realizing that life and death 
were in such close proximity, a loud voice was 
heard calling me. The friend where I was stopping 
sent his hired man and tea,m to take me to his 
home. When we passed along the highway that 
I had so often traveled we were greeted with 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 97 

strange faces instead of the familiar ones of our 
boyhood days. 

I thought of the many acquaintances and 
friends that had passed away with the thought of 
another inscription I noticed on another tombstone 
that read thus: ''Blessed are the dead that die in 
the Lord." I thought of the best citizens among 
the residents where we had made our home and 
those who had been held up as a good example 
for any young person to follow. I could con- 
sider it in no other light than in the belief 
that the ones that had died in the Lord, who 
had put their trust in Hipn and accepted Him as 
their guide and Saviour were altogether the best 
citizens, the best neighbors, the best friends, and 
the most joyous and happy people that inhabit our 
land. 

Visit My Native Town Wenham. 

The next day we made a visit to the village of 
Wenham near where I was born. There had been 
a noted change since we had left. Many of the old 
trees had been removed, buildings were gone. 

The old church that had stood for half a century 
was still presenting a cheerful aspect. I was in- 
terested in this for I had helped raise it, and it was 
where we used to attend church. It was raised in 
the old fashioned way. The whole side went up at 
one time. A large rope and tackle block were 
used, the big oxen attached to the rope and the 
boys were ordered to ''take hold behind the oxen 



98 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

and pull." The oxen pulled and the boys pulled 
and the great heavy side of the building kept going 
up until the great posts entered the mortices in 
the sill, when the whole side was up to its place. 
The old fashioned raising was rather a pleasant 
affair for usually the whole neighborhood were in- 
vited, and were furnished with a good substantial 
dinner. The boys used to like to go and see the 
great buildings go up whenever their parents would 
permit, though the dinner was the most interesting 
part to the,m. There were about fifty boys that 
pulled on the rope behind the oxen when this 
church was raised. 

We noticed many changes in the roads and build- 
ings and the street cars were running along the 
wagon road that leads to the city. Near this vil- 
lage is a nice little lake of excellent water. This 
lake is quite an attraction and a very favorite 
resort for the tourist wishing to view the beautiful 
scenery and see the beautiful mansions and homes 
that are erected along its borders. We recall many 
scenes that occurred while we in our boyhood days 
gathered here with our companions and spent the 
pleasant hours in hunting, fishing and bathing and 
enjoying the fascinating sports incident to a young 
and joyous life. The water from this lake is now 
used to supply two cities some five or six miles 
away. And the joyous sports that we so much 
enjoyed while a boy have all been side tracked, so 
the little boy of today has to seek other surround- 
ings for enjoyment. 



100 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

CHAPTER X. 
Eastern Washington. 

After residing about twenty-four years in the 
State of Iowa, we moved to Eastern Washington 
in the spring of 1902. We found a vast tract of 
uncultivated land in Adams County. This land is 
largely covered with sage brush and having a very 
fertile soil, after it is broken up and cultivated 
properly produces good crops of various kinds, 
wheat being the prevailing crop raised here. This 
often produces bountifully and is relied upon as 
a source of much profit. 

Where the vast plains of sagebrush existed upon 
our first arrival there, it has since largely dis- 
appeared, being replaced with nice cultivated fields 
and dotted over with the humble homes of the home- 
steaders who have taken advantage of the generosity 
of our good old "Uncle Sam" in order to procure 
a home. Although they have to endure the in- 
conveniences and privations of pioneer life that 
are oftentimes very tedious and almost unbearable, 
they are blessed with the consoling thought that 
they have a free and unencumbered home as the 
result of their persevering industry. 

Many are the poor men that have improved these 
lands that are now in comfortable circumstances 
and are thinking of retiring to a pleasant home 
on "Easy Street." When the lands become culti- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 101 

vated and happy homes abound, beautiful towns 
spring up and it soon seems like an old settled 
country; and one grand thing predominates, the 
people are joyous and happy. 

Shooting Spring and the Broncho. 

About nine miles from where we took up our 
homestead is situated a fine large spring known as 
Shooting Spring, though on the map it is called 
Dead Horse Spring. While the Government 
troops were in pursuit of the Indians who arrived 
at the spring first, the Indians, knowing that there 
was no other water near and that the command 
would be required to have water, they proposed to 
delay the troops in pursuit by slaughtering several 
of their old horses and leaving them in the spring 
and contaminating the water with their blood. It 
became necessary to clean the water from the 
spring before their stock could be watered. While 
this delay was made the Indians took the advantage 
of making their escape to the mountains. 

This spring was largely used by the settlers and 
was also a fine retreat for the thirsty wild or range 
horses that for many years have been so numerous. 
The rearing of these range horses proved to be a 
very profitable business to some of the early set- 
tlers, as their pasturage was free both summer and 
winter. They were branded and turned out to roam 
as they pleased. 

A general round up of the stock belonging to the 
different parties occurred about twice a year. At 



102 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

this time the famous cowboys had an opportunity 
to put in their experience. They would start out 
forming a circle around many miles of country and 
drive in all the horses that could be found running 
on the range. Frequently at one of these round- 
ups would be gathered in several thousand head of 
horses and colts. These were placed in a strong 
corral and such as were ready for the market were 
caught and haltered and fastened to a stout fence 
and allowed to remain about twenty-four hours. 
After this treatment they were careful about pulling 
at the halter and one of the first steps toward being 
broken was already acquired. These horses are 
nearly all caught with a lasso. An adept with a 
rope can catch with ease any horse he chooses 
from a large herd. After being caught they are 
thrown upon the ground and haltered or bridled. 
Wlien they get up they are saddled and much fun 
is often produced in seeing the cowboy and the 
bucking broncho giving his first experience in 
carrying a rider. The colts are caught and branded 
and all others not wanted are turned out and they 
wander away in little droves, not being molested 
until the next round-up. They generally keep in 
good condition and make a very hardy serviceable 
animal of wonderful endurance. 

The tide of emigration that is ever pouring into 
this country has nearly spoiled the range and it is 
now fast becoming a thing of the past. The im- 
proved breeds of horses are largely introduced. 
That is a grand step toward the improvement of 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 103 

horses, and present indications are that the real 
broncho will soon be classed among the old fash- 
ioned things of the past. 

Dead Man's Lake. 

In a northwesterly direction some ten miles from 
where we took our homestead is a succession of 
lakes. During a very wet or rainy season they are 
so arranged that the whole five of them seem to be 
in one continuous lake or nearly so. They vary 
in size from one or two acres to several acres. They 
have an irregular wall of stone a large portion of 
the way around them. Some of these cliffs are 
hundreds of feet in height, forming a stupendous 
wall extending along by the side of these lakes. 
Prom the top of one of these cliffs the land extends 
back quite a distance, forming a nice plateau of 
level land extending back into the interior. 

Several years ago a man was out hunting for 
stock and was late in returning to camp. In the 
darkness he is supposed to have lost his way, and 
the animal he was riding, it is said, was defective 
in sight, for he rode fearlessly across the level 
prairie until he reached the steep cliffs, when he 
made the desperate plunge, nearly 200 feet, upon 
the rocks below, instantly blotting out the lives of 
both animal and rider. A rough stone monument 
is erected on the spot where this fearful leap was 
made and this sad tragedy occurred. 

In the dry season the water settles away into the 
different diminutive lakes or ponds, making a 




A FATAL PLUNGE. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 105 

favorite haunt for the water fowl that are often 
found here in large numbers. 

Prosperous Towns of Adams County. 

In this part of the state the climate is quite 
different from Western Washington. The climate 
is varied by means of the Cascade Mountains that 
shelters the adjoining country; also the cold winds 
that traverse the plains or the level land of the 
West by the Saddle Mountains. 

The people are generally prosperous and the 
country is settled with a thriving industrious set of 
good natured people, while the spirit of progression 
can be noticed on every hand. The bountiful crops 
under the care of the industrious farmer have paved 
the way to prosperity that ever awaits the persever- 
ing and industrious tiller of the soil. 

Every little distance nice towns have sprung up 
along the line of the railroads. Othello, the division 
station on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road 
that runs through this region, promises to be a town 
of some note. Hatton, Cunningham, Lind, Paha and 
Ritzville are nice thrifty towns on the Northern 
Pacific and are fast progressing toward large cities. 
Lind has the advantage of being situated on both 
of the above roads and has a bright and prosperous 
future, that is foreseen by the business men and is 
rapidly improving, and is destined to be one of the 
finest, most prosperous, wide awake cities of the 
West. The enormous quantity of wheat sold here. 



106 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

and its public schools forms the foundation for its 
future prosperity. 

Mirage and Mountain Sunset. 

The scenery of the Western plains is oftimes 
beautiful. The far distant objects are plainly seen 
for many miles in the clear atmosphere. Another 
curiosity is frequently seen in the early morning, 
the time mirages usually appear. There may be seen 
pictures of beautiful lakes skirted with their sur- 
roundings, sometimes towns and houses of the set- 
tlers are pictured upon the sky. Buildings that 
are hidden from view generally, at the time of the 
mirage, are plainly visible and appear three times 
their usual height. 

But the beautiful sunset should not be overlooked. 
The sun is casting its slanting rays across the sur- 
rounding landscape. The mountain seems aglow 
with its radiance. Soon the scene changes, a dark 
and gloomy aspect is pervading the base of the 
mountain and the scene is fast being transformed 
from light to darkness as the shadows gradually 
creep toward the mountain peak. The foothills 
with their belt of evergreens are fast disappearing 
and the deep fissures in the mountain* s side are 
now forming images of huge giants, lions, bears, 
deer, all the four-footed beasts of the forest seem 
to be clustered around to help produce variety in 
the scene, yet far above the ice and the snow still 
glitters in the sunshine. All Nature is retiring, 
darkness is now setting over the mountain top, but 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 107 

the peak still lingers, standing out boldly against 
the crimson sky. The last rays of the setting sun 
are just leaving. The variegated colors of the 
mountain peak are vanished and all are enshrouded 
in a thick veil of darkness. Night is now upon us 
and amid the silence and stillness the world seems 
to be wrapt in slumber, only to be aroused by the 
hoot of the owl or the howl of the wolf who take 
advantage of the darkness to secure their prey. 

Western Washington. 

In journeying toward the Western coast many 
objects of interest are observed. The thrifty farmers 
with their fine herds of cattle and horses and their 
pleasant surroimdings of nice cozy dwellings and 
barns and situated near the beautiful orchard laden 
with fruit, are among the attractive features of the 
observer. Nice thrifty towns are passed with a 
busy people all on the alert, trying to catch the 
other dollar that they haven't got. 

As we approach nearer to the Cascade Moun- 
tains beautiful hay farms are passed as the product 
here seems to be enormous. There is also a larger 
supply of timber as we progress up the mountain 
road which winds along by the side of the stream 
that is making a rapid descent toward us, until 
we reach the divide or top of the mountain range, 
when the water courses down in the opposite di- 
rection. Large bodies of timber exist, much of 
which is seriously damaged by fire. The Hot 
Springs are located in the mountains where is 



108 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

erected a sanitarium for the treatment of invalids. 
Passing down the mountain grade we come to nice 
towns where are erected the great sawmills that 
are converting the numerous logs into lumber. We 
pass through several fine towns before we reach 
the City of Seattle. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 109 

(JHAFTEK Xi. 
Seattle. 

^Seattle may well be styled the Mew iork of the 
Pacific Coast. Situated on the Sound, furnishing 
a grand outlet for the large steamers and vessels 
which carry their products of the different nations 
to all parts of the world, furnishing one of the 
grandest harbors and numbered among the greatest 
trading points of the whole continent. 

Seattle at the present time contains aboui 290,000 
inhabitants, has 61 public schools, more than 37,000 
children of school age, 125 churches. Its 42-story 
building is a wonder to all observers. Seattle has 
75 newspapers, employs 25,000 persons in its man- 
ufacturing establishments. It has six railroads and 
150 miles of electric railroads. It now covers an 
area of 94 square miles. 

Seattle has a large line of ships plying between 
this point and the principal ports of the Bast and 
Europe; also a large line of steamers handling 
freight and passengers to the numerous other ports. 
The traffic in timber and lumber is enormous. A 
visit to the forests would convince anyone that 
the supply seemed practically inexhaustible. 

The minerals are also great. The mines in which 
the Seattle mine owners are connected furnish a 
revenue of several million dollars annuallv. These 



110 FROM THIi ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

help make inillioiiaires, of which the city boasts of 
having quite a large number. 

Puget Sound. 

There probably is nothing among the pleasant 
surroundings of the Northwest that is viewed with 
greater interest than the briny waters and the pic- 
turesque surroundings of Puget Sound. This is an 
inlet from the Pacific Ocean extending into the land 
for more than 150 miles. It has a very irregular 
shore line, being filled with many points and in- 
dentures that form a large number of bays and 
coves, making the total shore line of its waters ex- 
tend to a distance of more than 1,500 miles. 

The tide waters of this, the Inland Sea as it is 
often called, are ever rising and falling along its 
shores, generally rising from ten to fourteen feet 
and sometimes several feet higher. Along the banks 
have sprung up several nice and prosperous cities 
and towns that, together with the fine residences 
and beautiful homes that are so pleasantly situated 
along its shores, form the dwelling places of between 
300,000 and 400,000 people. 

There is a large number of islands lying here, 
dotting the landscape from the shores of this fine 
body of water. There are some forty of these that 
vary in size from a few acres to a nice large tract 
that furnish beautiful farms that are highly im- 
proved with many fine residences that overlook the 
Sound with all its attractions. The steamers, vessels. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 111 

boats and launches are ever sailing to and from the 
harbors that they wish to enter or leave. The com- 
fortable homes that are so beautifully arranged 
along the shores often seem to vie with each other 
in their attractions. We view with wonder and de- 
light the ever moving, rippling waves with the great 
ships passing and repassing, bringing before us a 
grand and unobstructed view of nature and art. The 
laTid is generally very fertile and produces largely 
of the various products adapted to this climate. In 
its natural state the land is mostly covered with a 
good growth of fir, pine and cedar trees that grad- 
ually disappear as the settler progresses in making a 
home. 

Tacoma. 

Taking the steamer at the wharf in Seattle we 
have a very pleasant trip to Tacoma. This is a nice, 
wide-awake city, and is largely interested in ship- 
ping, having an enormous trade in lumber and 
building material. Tacoma is situated near the 
terminus of the Sound and where its waters seem 
to flow farther into the interior of the state than at 
any other point. Like most of the large towns on 
this coast where we have visited it has an undulating 
surface. In traveling some of the walks we dis- 
covered we had to do some uphill business. The 
general aspect of the town is pleasant, it having very 
nice scenery and all kinds of business seemed to 
be thriving. 



112 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

There are some very beaTitiful parks near this 
city. In making a visit to Point Defiance Park we 
were pleased to see the splendid array of the beau- 
tiful flowers that were cultivated here, especially the 
roses that were of so many rare varieties, and each 
kind seemed to vie with each other in producing 
the greatest attraction. The roses of this city, as we 
view them from the different parks and gardens, 
seem to surpass those of any other locality we have 
visited and are viewed with wonder and surprise as 
we behold the many magnificent colors and test the 
fragrance of the many different varieties and look 
with wonder and amazement upon the beauties of 
nature here revealed. 

The Pug-et Sound Navy Yard. 

Taking one of the steamers that leave the wharf 
at Seattle we take a very pleasant sail upon the 
Sound. In a short time we arrive at the landing a 
short distance from the Navy Yard. Here we see 
the great war vessels that are quietly lying along- 
side the wharf. At the time of our visit there were 
some seven or eight of these monster ships that were 
being refitted or repaired in some manner to make 
them more thoroughly fitted for the service for 
which they were intended. There is employed a 
large number of workmen engaged in making or re- 
pairing the various things needed for the keeping 
in good trim of this fleet of fighting ships that Uncle 
Sam is always supposed to have in readiness. When 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 113 

we add to these the large number of officers and 
sailors that form the crews of these great war ves- 
sels and we have an assemblage of a large number 
of men that make the Navy Yard a lively place, 
abounding with bustle and activity. 

It was our privilege while here to attend the lay- 
ing of the corner-stone of the new Veterans' Home 
for the State of Washington. This is located near 
Port Orchard upon a beautiful eminence having a 
most magnificent view of the Sound with its many 
ships passing and repassing. The great fleet of war 
vessels that are floating in the bay, the prosperous 
towns of Bremerton, Manette, Charleston and Port 
Orchard, witji mountains in view, altogether form- 
ing a grand and romantic scenery that can scarcely 
be equaled anywhere along the Sound. 

Veterans' Home. 

The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the 
Wlashington Veterans' new home occurred April 
6th, 1908. The old comrades were the real actors, 
having charge of the laying of the corner-stone of 
the building that is now the pride, comfort and 
happiness of the old comrades and their wives who 
wish to accept the generosity of a kind and liberal 
government. Governor Albert E. Mead was pres- 
ent and made a fine speech that was heartily re- 
ceived, especially by the old comrades. Rear Ad- 
miral Burwell, commandant of the Navy Yard, also 
congratulated the old soldiers that they were to have 
a pleasant home where they could rest in honored 



114 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

retirement from the busy cares of life and view with 
pleasure the surroundings of their new home and 
its many attractions. 

It is a- pleasure to behold the snow-capped moun- 
tains in the distance, the irregular shore line of the 
Sound skirted with the beautiful evergreens that 
seem to overlook the whole scene, while in the dis- 
tance may be seen the great naval fleet proudly rest- 
ing upon the waters near the fine towns of Brem- 
erton, Charleston, Port Orchard and Manette. Sure- 
ly the viewpoint from the Washington Veterans' 
Home presents many attractive features that can 
hardly be equaled at any place along the Sound and 
certainly is truly appreciated not only by the old 
soldiers themselves, but all their friends who harve 
a deep interest in their welfare. 

Since the first buildings were occupied by mem- 
bers of the Home quite extensive improvements have 
been made by the addition of several large and sub- 
stantial buildings that are now occupied by mem- 
bers of the Home and their wives. There are at 
present over 500 members, about 70 being their 
wives. 

The hospital is a fine building fitted and furnished 
with the latest improved facilities for the treatment 
of the afflicted ones. This department, in the care 
of Dr. Carson, is handled with credit to him and his 
professional trained nurses and attendants, who do 
their best to alleviate suffering a-nd distress of those 
under their care. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 115 

The electric plant furnishes the power to run the 
bread mixer, the vegetable peeler, dish washer and 
all the lights for the different buildings and grounds 
about them. 

The water supply is one grand feature of this in- 
stitution, furnishing an abundant supply for all 
needed uses. The source of this is from several 
springs about a mile away. The water, being piped 
from its elevated position, comes with sufficient 
force to supply the highest rooms in any of the 
buildings. The ice plant supplies the Home with 
ice when needed. Colonel Wiscomb and his esti- 
mable wife seem to do all in their power to make 
things agreeable and pleasant for all members of 
the Home who dwell together as one large, happy 
family. 

THE LITTLE CHURCH UPON THE SOUND 

(Near Veterans Home) 



Near tide waters at the Sound 

Is where the little Church is found. 

Here we meet on God's Holy Day, 

And hear what the preacher has to say; 

And kindly greet and sing and pray; 

That helps to lead us on our Heavenly way. 

For God's Love is great and surely found 

Right at the little Church upon the Sound. 

When all time with us shall be no more, 
And we are landed on the other shore. 
May we meet the friends who have passed along, 
And our lot be to meet with the happy throng. 
Grandly marching on the Heavenly way, 
Where all is grand, bright, eternal day; 
And may the Heavenly Chorus there resound. 
Joined by the little Church upon the Sound. 



116 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



iviociips on tne I'acmc Ooast. 

ijeaviug Olympia^ tlie capital city^ we tooK Liie 
train tor ilie coast, wliere we had. a good view oJ: iiie 
real ocean. We were raised near tne Atlantic and 
ever had a strong desire to see tlie Tacitic. A large 
portion of tiie route lay tlirougli the dense forests. 
Tne surface of the country seemed quite level and 
the soil very moist and rich. In some localities nice 
farms were already under a good state of cultiva- 
tion with fine dw^ellings and other good improve- 
ments, with occasionally a sawmill that was busy 
converting the large trees into lumber — that seem- 
ing to be quite a large industry. 

As we neared the coast the forest became more 
dense, the trees being larger, exhibiting the most 
productive area of timber land known on the con- 
tinent. This state claims to have the most timber. 
This w^as certified to after a bet between two men — 
a California man and a Washington man, and settled 
by disinterested timber cruisers, they having de- 
cided that the Washington timber scaled consider- 
ably more to the quarter section than did the tim- 
ber of California. The California trees were larger 
but the Washington trees were much more numerous 
on the ground. 

A short distance before reaching the coast on 
the Northern Pacific Railway we noticed this timber 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 117 

claimed to be the heaviest oi any portion ui Uie 
United (States. Moclips is a new town started on 
the coast ol: the i^acihc. it is at present a town oi 
much importance, it having such a spienUid view oi 
the great ocean and situated as it is rigiit upon its 
banks. Moclips is where the Northern Jt'acinc Kaii- 
way terminates, it being the farthest west of any 
railroad town in the United States and is readily 
reached by rail without transfer, this making it 
very convenient and highly favorable as a summer 
resort. The depot is situated within 300 feet of the 
ocean beach. It has a fine large hotel that is 280 
feet in length. The proprietor claimed this to be 
the largest hotel in Washington, containing 270 
outside rooms overlooking the ocean. It is situated 
160 feet from the Northern Pacific depot and twelve 
feet from the Pacific Ocean, making it a very de- 
lightful and pleasant resort. 

I was reared in Massachusetts near the Atlantic 
sea coast and had a strong desire to see the Pacific 
Ocean. We felt truly thankful when that desire 
was gratified and we could gaze upon the ever 
restless waters of the great ocean. Unlike the rocky 
coast of the Atlantic, its shores are earth and sand. 
The great waves are ever rolling in, ever beating 
upon the shore until it is firm and smooth and solid 
as the best of roads, forming an ideal track for driv- 
ing after the tide had left it. It is a favorite place 
for the automobile and bicycle, as the surface has no 
impediments for thirty miles along the shore. 



118 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

While there a furiouis sLorm arose and we had 
the pleasure of seeing the old Facilic when excited. 
It was a grand sight to see the great waves break 
upon the shores. The foaming waves resemble huge 
snow banks on the move as they break upon the 
sandy shore; they compact and level the surface, 
leaving it hard and smooth. Moonstones, agates and 
other stones and an abundance of clams and crabs 
are found here. Wte did not find the sea shells as 
plentiful here as on the Atlantic coast, but some 
were different from any we had ever seen before. It 
is an attractive place to spend a vacation and we 
predict for it a brilliant future. 

AXIOMS— FOOD FOR THOUGHT. 

Gratitude, the fairest flower that blooms along life's 
pathway. 



Cheerfulness brings the sunshine of life. 



A laughing heart and a smiling face each day 
Scatters sunshine all along the way. 



To be happy, try to make everyone around you so. 



Everyone who contributes to the real good of the world 
leaves behind them a true monument. 



Fault finding is the wrong way to happiness. 



A contented mind is a continual feast. 



Profanity is unfashionable, unmannerly and a useless, 
debasing, wicked and sinful practice. Why use it? 

Stolen sweets have a sting. 



The way of the transgressor is hard. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 119 

The tidal wave of sin takes many an innocent in. 



'Godliness with contentment is great gain.' 



We build our own monuments while living. 



"Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness and all her 
paths are peace." 



Look not backward for the dark and gloomy shadows 
of the past, but forward toward the glorious sunlight of 
God's love. 



Hope on, hope ever to the end 

Have Christ the Savior for your friend. 



If you would live to be old, 
Do not get the blues, or scold. 



Happiness is not bought, but manufactured. 



The kind, truthful, obedient girl or boy, 
Is surely Father's pride and Mother's joy. 



Is it really so that Pride and Fashion cost us more 
than Food and Raiment? 



Do not chase after happiness; use the right kind of bait 
and it will follow us and we can catch it. 



As one soweth so shall he reap. Do not sow wild oats 
expecting to reap a crop of happiness. The harvest will 
be sorrow and misery. There are plenty of unhappy living 
witnesses to this fact. 



Disappointments may come and sorrows may fall, 
If happy in Jesus you may drown them all. 



Memories of childhood days are the sweetest in mem- 
ory's storehouse. 



'Oh for the touch of a vanished hand. 
And the sound of the voice that is still." 



Beauty is as Beauty does. Act well and you will appear 
well. 



120 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

The path of duty leads to a glorious day, 
'That ever sends us merrily on our way. 



To have a contented mind and cheerful heart each day, 
Have Christ right with us all along the way. 



Godliness and Righteousness is a team that will draw 
a large load of Happiness. 



Why is it that Indians, negroes and dudes are so fond 
of jewelry? 

One diamond in the soul is worth a dozen on the ring 
or pin. 



The cost of Fashion often undermines the foundation 
of Love. 



Look pleasant. A smile will drive away dull care and 
scatter sunshine all around you. 



The singing girl and whistling boy 
Help to fill the home with joy. 



The very best v/ishes of a wife 

Is to lead a joyous, happy life; 

The best wishes of her man 

Is to please her if he can. 

If you succeed, it will be so, 

If you should not, your cake is dough. 



Most men's prosperity and happiness in their lives 
Is largely attained through the influence of their wives. 



Christianity is the base upon which rests the civiliza- 
tion, prosperity and happiness of the whole world. 



Our greatest worries are about the things that never 
occur. 



The misdirected efforts of early life will show their 
results when you get older. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 121 

A Visit to Alberta Country. 

Taking the International railway train we pro- 
ceeded in a noriheasteriy direction toward tne la- 
mous Alberta country. We view the attractions as 
we proceed onward. iNature s handiwork is shown 
on every hand. The woods, the lakes, the streams, 
the rocks and mountains seem to vie with the in- 
dustry of man in making the beautiful homes by 
turning the virgin soil into nice cultivated heids, 
producing grain, fruits and vegetables and orna- 
menting the once wild regions with fine attractive 
homes. 

As we proceed onward we find the rocks, the hills 
and rocky gorges interspersed with mills and mines 
that are an important factor in this country. We 
pass the famous mountain, Mt. Franc, where a por- 
tion of the great mountain slid down and buried 
quite a portion of the town with 200 of its inhabitants 
some 200 feet beneath the surface, where the rail- 
road track is now built. 

An agent from the International office seemed 
quite inquisitive, wishing to know where I was from, 
where I w^as going, where I was born, how old I was, 
how much money I had, and several other questions. 

As we proceed onward we pass many homestead- 
ers' claims with their humble, cozy dwellings and 
cultivated fields. When we reached Macleod we 
took a branch road to Claresholm. The land lays 
nice and level, some gravel in spots. In the interior 
a deep black soil that produced abundantly and a 



122 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

thrifty class of people who were satisfied with their 
homes they had secured in this beautiful Alberta 
country. 

Veterans Home. 

Near Port Orchard on the banks of the Sound, 

Is where the Old Veterans Home is found. 

For here we have a most splendid view, 

Where floats the Banner Red, White and Blue. 

It's here they meet and talk and chat and make a noise, 

And some trying their very best to act like boys. 

But they all seem quite different now, you know. 

From what they really did some fifty years ago. 

For Old Father Time, exposure, shot and shell, 

Have fixed many so they are far from being well. 

Many are thus tortured with ever constant pain. 

And can scarcely navigate without the crutch or cane. 

Some have their good wives with them, and lead a joyous 

life, 
For happy is he who has the true and loving wife. 
The whistle blows, the girls and boys, stout, slim, short 

and tall, 
Are now all wending their way toward the Dining Hall. 
It is here we meet, the commander gives his views, 
And often relates to us some very pleasant news. 
We are really anxious also to take a look. 
And test the nice samples furnished by the cook. 
Another whistle blows, the doors are opened wide; 
Soon we are seated at the table side by side. 
The pretty waiter girls we think first rate, 
For they bring something good for every plate. 
We are too busy now for any more rhyme. 
So we will delay it until another time. 

Pneumonia Remedy. 

In view of the prevalence and many deaths re- 
sulting from pneumonia, I append the following 
as an excellent remedy: 

Take six to ten onions, according to size, chop fine, 
put in a small kettle or pan over the fire, then add about 
the same quantity of rye meal, and vinegar enough to 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 123 

make a thick paste. Stir it until thoroughly heated. Then 
put in a cotton bag large enough to cover the chest and 
apply as hot as the patient can bear. When cool apply 
another, and thus continue by reheating the poultices. 
In a short time the patient will be out of danger. Usually 
a few applications will be sufficient, but continue until 
perspiration starts freely from the chest. 

The above, though obtained as a sure remedy 
many years ago, was formulated by a New England 
physician who claimed he rarely lost a patient from 
this disease, but cured many after given up to die 
and their cases pronounced hopeless by other promi- 
nent physicians. We have tested this remedy sev- 
eral times and it has always brought immediate re- 
lief. 



124 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



CHAPTER XIII. 
A Chapter to the Young. 

Before I bring these sketches of my travels from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific to a close I feel that I 
would like to give a few words to the young. I 
look back with pleasure to the days of my youth 
as I review the past at my home on the eastern coast 
where I first started out in life, memories of the 
familiar scenes in which we all took an active part. 
The old home with all its endearments comes vividly 
to memory. The friendly fireside where we spent so 
many happy hours in company with those we truly 
loved, for father and mother, sister and brother were 
in unison trying to make a happy home. It is a 
pleasing thought to me that we so well succeeded 
in doing so. Home should be the happiest place on 
earth, and it really is just what we make it. 

And I would say to the young, be prudent, indus- 
trious, economical, and make it the rule of your 
life to make some one feel happy, if possible, every 
day. Acquire good habits for they are essential 
to your welfare and happiness. Evil habits bring 
sorrow, sickness, shame and death. Shun the path- 
way of sin with its blighting influences that lead 
you to a life of unhappiness. Surely virtue hath its 
own reward and leads the way toward earth's great- 
est boon, happiness, that is reciprocal and only comes 
to those who bring it. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 125 

In my opinion a young person starting out in life 
cannot invest in a more worthy calling or seek a 
better paying investment than in the good stock of 
Christianity or love to God in the heart, for in my 
experience it brings paying results for there is 
''joy and peace in believing," for we have the prom- 
ise that our Heavenly Father will protect us and 
guide us safely into the hajven of Eternal Rest. 
Let us secure that Hope that is "as an anchor to 
the soul," both sure and steadfast, and shape our 
course toward that Heavenly City, the New Jerusa- 
lem, where we may ever enjoy the presence of loved 
ones and secure admission to that haven of Eternal 
Rest where we have the promise of a grand recep- 
tion awaiting us. 

My advice and earnest desire is that you lead 
good, moral lives and love God and keep his com- 
mandments that we may obtain the precious reward 
that is promised to every true lover of the Lord. As 
you journey along through life you may expect 
trials, disappointments and difficulties, but surmount 
them all and 



"Endeavor to carr>' sunshine everyv/here you go, 

And try to brighten some way, lives of those you know." 

When the dark clouds of disappointment and sor- 
row arise, remember there is a silver lining caused 
by the glorious sunshine in the background and that 
every cloud has its silver lining. When disappoint- 
ment, sorrow and grief comes, for it is alloted to all, 
let us be resigned to the unseen and hidden power 



126 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

that governs all things and rely upon the precious 
promises that are given us, that ''all things work 
together for good to them that love the Lord." 

My earnest desire is that you do not treat lightly 
father's counsel or mother's advice. They are deep- 
ly interested in your V7elfare and will do their best 
toward shaping your course in the direction that will 
lead you on to a successful, prosperous and happy 
future. Let us ever strive to secure that precious 
reward that brings eternal joy, peace and happiness 
forever. 

Wanted 

A boy that's honest, pure and neat; 
That will not lie, or steal, or cheat. 
One that's polite, and kind, and true, — 
That don't drink beer, or smoke or chew. 



A boy that's active, steady, bright; 
That will not fear to do what's right; 
One that will work, do well his part; 
That does not swear — has a good heart. 



One thousand first-class places wait. 
For boys whose future shall be great; 
But they must have these points, — rely. 
None others need for them apply. 

Our public men are falling fast! 

Their names MUST number in the past! 

And very sad will be the case, 

If we've no boys to fill their place. 

— Capt. A. J. Smith. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 127 

Concluding Remarks. 

In conclusion we can but take a backward look 
and see the surging billows of the broad Atlantic as 
they so furiously dash against the rockbound coast 
while with a searching glance spy out ihe many 
ships that are sailing to and fro along the coast, 
forming a beaxitiful view. Memory lingers in sad- 
ness as we bring to our mind those we truly loved 
in early childhood, but now have left and gone to 
their reward. Visions of friends and home come to 
mind as we think of the many endearments and the 
joyous pleasures we so highly enjoyed among neigh- 
bors and friends, schoolmates and our many asso- 
ciates. But the time came when it seemed best to 
bid adieu to friends and home, and take up our 
journey westward amid the tears of loving friends. 

Since that day we have been drifting westward 
until we are near the western coast, near where the 
grand old Pacific sends in its dashing waves upon an 
earthbound coast. Here a great multitude of resi- 
dents have assembled, coming from many different 
states, and are making for themselves new homes, 
being enticed by the mild and salubrious climate and 
the attractions of the Evergreen State. Here are 
living many of the old soldiers. A friendly greeting 
is given to all of the comrades. We note they are 
growing old, for since we stood shoulder to shoulder 
in the great conflict many have fallen, while the re- 
mainder are growing old, and are fast receding 
downward toward the sunset of life. Let us, as 



128 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACH^IC 

citizens and soldiers, act well our part in life and 
so live that we may leave a record that will be an 
honor to our memory. 

The endearing scenes of the past, as we note them 
by the aid of memory, form visions of joy and sad- 
ness. In life there is joy. In the future there is 
mystery. Let us plan for the future, so when the 
jnystic tie is severed and we are summoned to cross 
the "dark river" may it be our lot to land upon that 
shining^ shore and enter that Heavenly City, the New 
Jerusalem, where we may enjoy the presence of 
loved ones, with Christ the Savior, throughout the 
endless asres of Eternitv in Heaven. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACH-'IC 129 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Breaking Out of the Civil W^. 

Just before the breaking out of the Civil War we 
made a short stay at our old home in Massachusetts 
and were there when Fort Sumpter was fired upon 
and surrendered to the Confederate forces, and the 
first war cloud hung heavily over the nation. All 
were greatly excited now; for a certainty war had 
actually begun. 

President Lincoln's first call for 75,000 men, to 
serve three months, was hailed with the utmost ex- 
citement. An earnest appeal was given to all able- 
bodied men who wished to enlist to do so. The fife 
and drum were heard. Meetings were held, orators 
procured to sound the war notes to induce persons 
to enlist. Recruiting offices were opened to take 
the names and swear in any and all who could pass 
the required examination and wished to show their 
patriotism by entering the service of their country 
and uphold the old flag. 

The call for the first troops was heeded with un- 
paralleled alertness and soon a regiment was sent 
on for the protection of Washington. Others soon 
followed ; the Sixth regiment was assaulted and sev- 
eral killed while marching through Baltimore. With 
unabated interest others continued to enlist ; farmers 
left their farms, merchants their stores, mechanics 



130 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

llieir workshops, clerks dropped their calling, con- 
sequently a large number had assembled to answer 
the President's call. But there was a serious draw- 
back toward forwarding them on to Washington. 
There was no officer willing to take charge of the 
troops. The experience of the Sixth regiment a few 
days before had dampened the ardor of the few offi- 
cers wiio w^ere qualified to take command of the 
troops, believing that the rebellious spirit of the 
citizens of Baltimore, they being so numerous, would 
annihilate the whole command, as they were very 
poorly armed. 

While restlessly waiting in this dilemma, Benjamin 
Butler came to their relief, and in that determined 
style of his said, "I will take these men on to Wash- 
ington. ' ' Accordingly, they started on what seemed 
to many a very perilous journey, leaving behind 
them a large company of friends who were deeply 
interested in their welfare, for they fully believed 
that many who were leaving would never return, 

Butler's Journey to Washington. 

They sped onward on their journey w^ithout any 
serious mishap until they arrived in the enemy's 
country, when something went wrong with the loco- 
motive, so they could make but slow progress, trav- 
eling but a few miles an hour, the crew on the en- 
gine claiming that they could make no better head- 
way. 

General Butler, with his usual sagacity, believed 
there was something wrong with the crew that was 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 131 

runniug the engine as well as the engine itself. So 
he resorted to this novel means to find out. He made 
the inquiry, wishing to know if there were any ma- 
chinists among his soldiers; if so, ''to line up in 
front." In compliance to this, quite a line of sol- 
diers responded, some of them coming from the 
same shops where this same engine was made. A 
committee was chosen to examine it ; they found that 
portions of it had been taken away and many of 
its parts were missing, but they were not long in re- 
pairing it so they could go over the road at the rate 
of forty miles an hour. 

Btit the southerners seemed determined to prevent 
the arrival of troops for the protection of Washing- 
ton ; when one scheme failed they would try an- 
other. The train had not proceeded far when they 
were obliged to stop, for the track for a long dis- 
tance had been torn up and many of the rails were 
carried away and hid, also all the telegraph wires 
had been cut so the communication had been en- 
tirely cut off. The soldiers were now set at work 
building railroad and searching for the hidden rails, 
some of which were a long distance away and caused 
considerable delay. 

The Missing Rail. 

After a long and tedious hunt, engaged in by 
thousands of men, the track was nearly replaced 
and ready for the continuance of the journey, all 
the rails being found with the exception of one. 



132 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

The country was searched for a long distance on 
both sides of the railway but the missing rail could 
not be found. The soldiers were formed into a 
long skirmish line. By keeping a few feet apart 
they searched thoroughly the whole country near 
the line of the road. After a long and weary search 
they were rewa-rded by finding the missing rail 
some three-quarters of a mile away at the bottom 
of a small and muddy stream. The road was soon 
completed and the train proceeded on toward Wash- 
ington. 

Watching and Waiting. 

During all this delay there was an exciting time 
among the friends at home. They were anxiously 
waiting to hear from their loved ones who had left 
them. Many weary hours passed as they patiently 
Avaited for the dispatch to come. There was an 
eager throng gathered around the telegraph station. 
Here were gathered fathers and mothers, brothers 
and sisters, wives and sweethearts, who were pa- 
tiently waiting to hear of loved ones. Day was 
turned into night and the rain was gently falling, 
but still they lingered. During this time Butler and 
his command was speeding on toward Washington 
and the telegraph was put in working order and 
the glad news soon came over the wire, ''Butler 
has arrived and Washington is safe." 

Returning West. 
It now seemed evident that the war was going 
to be a larger one than most people expected. The 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 133 

first call of 75,000 three months men was soon 
filled, my only brother enlisting with the first call 
for troops. But the war cloud still hung heavily 
over the nation and another call was soon made. 
During this time my father died and my interest 
seemed to be at our new home in Minnesota; ac- 
cordingly we started again for the far "West, again 
turning our faces toward the Pacific. 

About this time there was an Indian outbreak 
among the Sioux Indians, they claiming to be the 
first settlers and having the right to own this 
country and use it as their own. It was to them 
the ''Indians' Paradise," for it abounded with the 
wild animals common to this country. Here the 
buffalo roamed, the elk, the moose, the deer, the 
beaver, and otter with other wild animals and birds, 
made it their rich hunting ground. Here the wild 
rice grew in abundance around the lakes. This 
they gathered for their food; it also furnished food 
for the numerous flocks of geese and ducks that 
made their home there in the summer. The Govern- 
ment made a bargain with the Indians through its 
agents, giving them nearly too million dollars for 
their lands, paying them interest at the rate of five 
per cent, for fifty years, believing by that time they 
would become a civilized people. 

Indian War In Minnesota. 

From some cause there was a delay made in the 
payment as agreed upon and the Indians became 
impatient and restless from disappointment. See- 



134 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

mg the white man continually trespassing upon his 
rich hunting ground and they not getting their 
rights as promised by the government, they would 
simply kill or drive every white man from the 
country and still retain their land as their own. 
After coming to that conclusion the bloody work 
commenced by making a stealthy, murderous attack 
upon the settlers. This they did by dividing into 
squads of three or four each, when they would visit 
the settler, pretending to be friendly, when they 
would unexpectedly strike down every member of 
the family and burn their dwellings and grain 
stacks, then proceed to the next neighbor and do 
likewise. 

Thus the cruel war continued until more than a 
thousand of the early settlers near New Ulm were 
ruthlessly murdered. The country was devastated 
and laid waste, presenting a doleful state of 
things. Troops were sent to quell and capture 
these unruly beings. After a long and fatiguing 
chase in which many lost their lives, they were 
finally subdued and a large number were captured. 
Prom this number were selected what were sup- 
posed to be the most atrocious leaders. Thirty-nine 
were hanged at Mankato the 19th of December, 
1862, following. 

This outbreak of the Sioux, coming as it did in 
the midst of the Civil War, called for extra govern- 
ment troops to protect the frontier. After an ex- 
citing campaign of several months, the Indians were 
again brought under government control, where 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 135 

they are trying to make themselves civilized citi- 
zens. 

Another Call for Troops. 

Another call for more troops was soon made as 
the fierce warfare still continued. Nearly all classes 
of business were nearly suspended, except that con- 
nected with the war. Men gathered in groups 
around the recruiting offices. The fife and drum 
were sending out their martial music, and the chief 
topic for discussion was ''war." Able speakers 
gathered nightly at the halls and schoolhouses and 
delivered patriotic addresses, urging persons to 
enlist. The urgent appeals were readily responded 
to and recruiting was continually going on. Men 
left their business, their friends and homes and 
all that seemed dear to them and as it seemed, laid 
their lives upon the altar of liberty that the nation 
might remain an undivided and progressive and 
prosperous Nation as it is today. 

At this time a gloom settled over the whole 
North as well as the South. We were almost daily 
receiving the news of some who had left us to go 
to the scene of warfare that they had been num- 
bered among the fallen ones. It was about this 
time that another call for troops was made. 

Old Abram spoke: "Three hundred thousand more," he said, 
"To swell the ranks and fill the places of the dead." 

Enlistment in our vicinity at this time seemed 
to be all the rage and nearly all the able-bodied men 
were fulfilling the duties of army life. 



136 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Enlisting for Uncle Sam. 

About this time when the nation seemed to be 
in its deepest gloom and calling so loudly for more 
men, that nearly all my neighbors with myself, con- 
cluded we would enlist to help put down the Re- 
bellion. Those who knew themselves to be unfit 
for military duty did not try to enlist. It was a 
sorrowful gathering that appeared before the recruit- 
ing officer and put down their names to become 
soldiers. They well knew they would be taken from 
family, loved ones, friends and home, and would be 
obliged to take their chances among the cruel 
scenes of warfare, knowing that many would 
never return. 

All those who applied for enlistment were or- 
dered before a board of examining surgeons before 
wliom they appeared in a perfectly nude condi- 
tion. Here they were slapped, thumped and pat- 
ted and after a thorough examination if defects 
were found they were dismissed as unfit for a sol- 
dier; if they were considered sound they were ac- 
cepted as good material to send South. Their age, 
height and weight and birthplace, also the color of 
hair, eyes and complexion were carefully marked 
down. We were then taken to an adjoining room 
where we drew a suit of Uncle Sam^s soldier blue 
and hurried away to the capital, St. Paul. Here 
we appeared before another examining board as 
before. But few were rejected in this examination. 

We were then sworn into the service of the 
United States and were then subject to the will of 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 137 

the army officers. To refuse to obey such, the 
penalty was death or any other penalty that might 
be imposed by court-martial. 

To my readers who do not fully understand the 
meaning of the term, ''court-martial," we will say 
it is similar to a jury in a civil case, the difference 
being this jury is composed of army officers and 
whatever decision they decide upon is considered 
military law. 

We were now a full-fledged soldier and subject 
to the command of our superior officers. After 
going through our first lesson in military drill, we 
marched to the barracks at Fort Snelling and here 
commenced to initiate ourselves into some of the 
realities of the soldier's life. We now had to ac- 
custom ourselves to our new mode of living. Our 
bed was exchanged from the soft feather bed to 
the soft side of a pine board. We thought it won- 
derfully hard at first but afterward, while at the 
front and lying on the cold, muddy ground our 
earnest wish was to get a board to lie on. We also 
had to get accustomed to the army rations, hard- 
tack and pork being the leading feature and form- 
ing the most prominent part of the soldier's fare. 
This was a wonderful change from the well-supplied 
table laden with the good things prepared by the 
hands of those we dearly loved. 

Start for the Front. 

After a short stay at Fort Snelling, during which 
time we were daily practicing the army drill, and 



138 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

learning the maneuvers of the soldier required in 
the active duties of real warfare, we received the 
order to go South and join our regiment that 
was then stationed at the front near Hatcher's 
Run, Va. 

The day was announced when we were to leave 
for the South to participate in the realities of war. 
It is a day long to be remembered by every one 
present, for here were assembled the many friends 
of those who were going to leave. They came to 
bid them ' ' good bye. ' ' Here were assembled fathers 
and mothers, sisters and brothers, wives and another 
class that seemed nearer and dearer than any, was 
the sweethearts of those who were about to sep- 
arate. As the tears rolled down their cheeks they 
bid each other "good bye." which to many was the 
last good-bye on earth, for they went away but 
returned not again. 

On our journey South we made but a very few 
stops. Being supplied with rations when we left 
St. Paul, there was no particular need of stopping. 
The next day we halted once for dinner that was 
served in a nearby eating room. We were informed 
that all our belongings would be perfectly safe to 
be left in the car during our absence. 

"Mine Bottle Tings." 

There was a little short Dutchman that did not 
understand the English language very well. He 
knew the haversack was to carry the food in and 
the canteen to carry the drink in. So before leav- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 139 

ing St. Paul he got the canteen filled with whisky. 
While we were at dinner some sneakthieves taking 
advantage of our absence went through the car, 
appropriating whatever they wished to their own 
use. I was fortunate, only losing the straps of my 
knapsack. But ''Shorty" was nearly struck dumb 
when he could not find his canteen of whisky. He 
says: ''Mine Gott! some vun has got mine bottle 
tings." The canteen was called "bottle tings" for 
a long time afterward, and the little Dutchman was 
a mourner for quite a while. 

Nothing of special note occurred as we sped on 
our way toward Washington. Pittsburg, with its 
many chimneys and smoky atmosphere was passed 
through and the soldier boys seemed ever to be 
welcome. Baltimore, where the warlike spirit of 
its mixed inhabitants had previously shown itself, 
was now calm and coolly taking in the situation, 
and resigned itself to law and order. 

On the Potomac. 

We soon were on board of a steamer and going 
down the Potomic River, having a fine view of the 
scenery along the banks of this noted river. We 
had a fine view of the great war vessels that were at 
Hampton Roads. Here was the little Monitor, re- 
sembling a cheese box on a raft, that made such won- 
derful execution in the battle with the ironclad war- 
ship the Merrimac. We passed the home of 
George Washington, the one whose name will never 
be forgotten. This humble mansion stands a short 



140 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

distance from the river upon an elevation, the 
grounds gradually sloping toward the river which 
gave it with its picturesque surroundings a most 
beautiful landscape. 

We next went on to Washington, where we made 
quite a stop in a large warehouse that was pro- 
vided for us. We here took the opportunity to 
visit the Capitol building and its surroundings. The 
next day we went to City Point, where we made a 
short stay, after which we boarded a train of cars 
and started for the battle line directly at the front. 

This railroad was known as the Military Road. 
The road was made in a hurry; they did not stop 
to dig or grade, but flat on the ground the track 
was laid. This was made that the supplies needed 
for the army were so much more easily and quickly 
handled than with the regular army baggage train. 
For a portion of the distance the ground was quite 
rolling and the grades were steep. It was with 
much difficulty that the engines pulled our train 
of flat cars loaded with soldiers up these steep 
grades. But the time we lost in going up was 
fully made up in going down, for the speed was 
enormous that the train might gain the top of 
the next hill. 

After reaching the terminus of the road and 
leaving our train we formed in line and marched 
out into the wilderness. The shades of night had 
now fallen and it was quite dark. Our route lay 
through a partially wooded country interspersed 
with rocks, stumps, bushes and briars. After a 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 141 

tedious march of several hours we arrived at our 

destination at a late hour. 

We found the boys on the firing line behind a 
line of works that extended near where they were 
camped, while the Confederate works were a short 
distance in front of us. The buzz of the bullets 
were occasionally heard going over our heads. We 
were not allowed to build any fires, for they would 
show our location, but were privileged to rest, but 
must be ready at a moment's warning, for we 
might be attacked at any time during the night 
and our help would be needed to repel the attack. 
After spreading a blanket on the ground and using 
our knapsacks for a pillow the two of us were 
covered with another blanket. Thus we spent the 
first night at the front with the regiment. 

A comrade wished to know where he could get 
a drink of water. "From my well," said an old 
comrade. ''We do not have to dig over eighteen 
inches deep to find plenty of water here." 

The weather was cold, and the ground was cold 
and very damp from recent rains. Several sleepless 
hours were spent gazing upward toward heaven's 
starry banner that seemed to protect us from all 
harm, but finally succumbed to nature's sweet re- 
storer, sleep. At an early hour we awakened feel- 
ing very uncomfortable from the effects of the cold, 
having not yet got accustomed to our new mode 
of living. 



142 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

CHAPTER XV. 
Sketch of Army Life. 

When we consider that nearly fifty years have 
elapsed smce the close of that war the young peo- 
ple of today know but little of the life of the old 
soldier, only as they gather it from the often meager 
accounts given in history, or from the tongue or 
pen of those who were the real actors. We believe 
the latter have stored up in their minds the most 
interesting portions of that history, because they 
can give the details, as gathered from their ex- 
perience. In this light we propose to write these 
few sketches of a portion of our army life while in 
Dixie. We will state that nearly all our notes taken 
in this campaign are lost, and we write as only 
memory dictates those occurrences and incidents as 
now come to our mind, and shall not fail to notice 
anything that may be of interest that we can at this 
time recall. 

We were a member of the First Minnesota In- 
fantry. This regiment was composed largely of the 
frontiersman of that state and were the rough, 
hardy pioneers of that, then, border state. It was 
composed largely of men skilled as hunters and trap- 
pers, and their knowledge of pioneer warfare espe- 
cially adapted them to fulfill the hazardous duty 
of skirmishers, which they performed with such skill 
that they were usually ordered to discharge that 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 143 

dangerous duty. Its company of sharpshooters were 
hardly equaled by any at the front. 

It was in the latter part of March, and the Army 
of the Potomac was still lying in its winter quarters 
in, or near Hatcher's Run, Va., anxiously waiting 
for the opening of the next campaign. It need not 
be wondered at, that many of the soldiers had be- 
come attached to this, their abode for the last four 
months, and if it did not seem like home, it certainly 
often presented a homelike appearance, for in many 
cases they had built for themselves neat cabins, dug 
wells, made fireplaces and arranged many little con- 
veniences, which went far to add to the comfort of 
the soldier at the front. 

It was rumored we were soon to break camp and 
move, we could not tell where, for a soldier is sup- 
posed to know nothing in regard to his future move- 
ments, only to obey orders, unless the officers see 
fit to inform him. This rumor seemed to be verified 
when we were aroused a little past midnight with 
the order to ''fall in" for several days' rations and 
also an additional forty rounds of cartridges to 
each soldier. From this time until daylight the 
whole encampment was astir— officers' houses were 
stripped of their canvas and their tents were taken 
down and were being loaded on the heavy army 
wagons, and it was evident we Avere soon to bid 
adieu to our present location and enter upon differ- 
ent scenes. 

The Confederate army were strongly fortified 
only a short distance in our front. Some conjectured 



144 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

we were to engage the enemy at once and endeavor 
to capture these works, while others, and probably 
the majority, thought we were going to form a junc- 
tion with Sherman's army, that was several hundred 
miles away. Shortly after sunrise the troops lying 
back of us came marching down in solid column, 
passing neaT our encampment. This continued for 
some time, until in the distance as far as the eye 
could reachj could be seen the unbroken line of 
soldiers. 

Soon the order came for us to fall in and help 
swell the crowd, which was moving to the left or 
southerly" direction. The sun was now shining 
bright and the weather warm. It was evident the 
soldiers were expecting a long march, for they soon 
began to lighten their knapsacks, dispensing with 
whatever they could spare best, for they had ac- 
cumulated through the kindness of friends and 
otherwise, many things that added to their comfort 
while in camp, but while marching in the hot sun- 
shine day after day, would prove too much of a 
burden to carry, consequently the ground was literal- 
ly strewn with blankets, overcoats and other articles 
of clothing that would encumber them on a long 
march. 

We had marched but a few^ miles when we came 
to a sudden halt. We then formed in two lines of 
battle, changed our course and marched directly 
toward the enemy's works, the front line being 
several rods in advance of the rear. We now came 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 145 

to a stand within less than a half mile of their breast- 
works and near a dense pine forest. 

Skirmishers were now thrown out, while several 
pieces of artillery were placed on an eminence in our 
rear. The skirmishers' rifles reported that there 
was game in that thicket, but they soon became 
more quiet and an officer of a Michiga-n regiment 
rode out to reconnoiter. O'ne of the enemy's sharp- 
shooters in a tree soon spotted him and he was 
brought to the rear on a stretcher. Passing near the 
end of our regiment, he attracted attention by his 
dying groans and his life blood trickling through 
the canvas. ''Never mind," says an officer, "it is 
nothing but a wounded man. There will be plenty 
of them in a few minutes!" 

While we were still standing in line of battle near 
the beautiful timber, a peculiar clattering, roaring 
sound fell upon our ears. The Pioneer Corps, con- 
sisting of several thousand men^ were engaged in 
cutting down the timber in front of us while others 
commenced bringing along this material and form- 
ing it into what we might call a tight fence. At 
the same time men with spades commenced digging 
a ditch on one side and throwing the dirt on the 
other. In a few minutes several acres of the timber 
in front of us had disappeared and we were supplied 
with a very efficient barrier against bullets, a good 
breast work between three and four feet in height. 

We kept this position until near nightfall. Dur- 
ing this time heavy firing was going on but a short 
distance at our left. Heavy clouds overshadowed 



146 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

the sky and the weather had turned cold and had 
the appearance of a storm. Many of the boys wished 
they had retained some of the clothing they had 
thrown away. It was growing dark when we got 
an order to move forward directly toward the 
enemy's works. Quite a lively skirmish occurred 
between the two armies for a while, which, with the 
gathering darkness, gradually died away. Night had 
now overtaken us lying behind the works the Con- 
federates had built for their own protection. 

The enemy had now fallen back to another line 
of works, and doubtless, were carefully watching 
our movements. Wie were momentarily expecting 
an attack and everything was arranged accordingly. 
A heavy guard was placed along the line and we 
were to be ready for action at a moment's warning, 
holding our rifles in our hands, whether asleep or 
awake. We were not allowed to build fires or erect 
our tents. To add to our discomfort a disagreeable 
rainstorm that had been sprinkling us lightly, noAV 
commenced in earnest, which made our situation 
seem anything but agreeable. A large portion of 
our regiment were on guard during the night. Those 
who had the privilege of sleeping, crouched upon 
the ground wrapped in their blankets. Our condi- 
tion may be imagined. Thick darkness all around 
us. We could perceive only those of our comrades 
nearest to us and occasionally hear their low tones 
in conversation above the pattering of the raindrops 
and their unpleasant sensations caused us generally 
to pass a nearly sleepless night. As may naturally 
be expected upon these occasions, as we wearied 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



147 



away the tedious hours, the soldier's mind reverted 
back to more comfortable quarters, pleasant fire- 
sides and happy homes far away. 

Morning at last dawned upon us. With consider- 
able difficulty a fire was started and we took break- 
fast of hardtack and coffee, then quietly awaited 
orders. It was nearly the middle of the forenoon 
when the rain slackened and we received the order, 
' ' Forward march ! ' ' We all bounded over the works 
in front of us and marched toward the timber in our 
front. Each soldier re-capped his rifle, we then 
formed skirmish line and marched directly into the 
thick underbrush interspersed with thorns and 
briaTs, where we supposed a portion of the enemy 
were awaiting us. But we saw only a few Johnnies ; 
these Ave surprised and they were taken prisoners. 
We soon came to another line of fortifications 
which we found deserted, although their fires were 
still burning and other indications showed they had 
no desire to wait for us and left. A portion of the 
works extended over the top of a ridge, near a 
ravine, and overlooking Fort Rice, a strongly built 
and well fortified fort. The enemy had retreated 
within the fortifications and were perfecting every 
arrangement to receive us. We were soon joined by 
the main army and were stationed along the line of 
the works. They sent us a few solid shot from their 
cannon occasionally that tore through our barricade 
and over our heads and went crashing through the 
forest in our rear with but slight damage to our 
troops. 



148 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

We remained here nearly all the balance of the 
day. Heavy firing was heard on our left toward the 
latter part of the da}'. We encamped near this spot 
on a field of plowed ground, or corn stubble, using 
the same precautions as on the night previous. The 
weather was so cold, we could not well sleep and 
were obliged to get up occasionally and exercise to 
keep waTm. 

On the Skirmisk Line. 

The next morning we started early changing our 
position to the left and formed in two lines of battle 
just out of range of the guns of the fort. A large 
open space lay in our front and adjacent to the 
fort. The booming of cannon and the roar of 
musketry on our left indicated that business had 
commenced. Nearer, heavy skirmishing was going 
on which threatened to extend along our whole line. 
Soon an orderly rode along our line with an order 
for the First Minnesota to form skirmish line and 
advance. This order was not received with a very 
favorable welcome by either officers or men, for our 
route lay across the large open space and directly 
in front of the enemy's guns at the fort. 

We formed and started on the fast run, at the same 
time our artillery commenced vigorously throwing 
shot and shell at the fort. We were soon saluted by 
some shells that came howling down upon us like so 
many infuriated demons, threatening destruction all 
around them. These were carefully watched and 
when the order "Down" was given the Avhole com- 
mand were flat upon the ground. Soon as they 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 149 

passed, we again pursued our course, but were sev- 
eral times similarly interrupted before we reached 
the timber on the opposite side. Fortunately none 
of these shells exploded until they had passed us. 
They were so well directed that they clipped off the 
tops of some small pines but a few feet in height, as 
they passed over us. If we had been a few rods 
further from the fort, very likely this sketch would 
never have been written. As it was, there were but 
a few wounded. Comrade Hill with others were in- 
jured here and narrowly escaped death. 
On Guard. 

Our regiment was on guard again tonight, the 
line being formed through a thick body of timber. 
This was a foggy night and very dark. It was ascer- 
tained before midnight that we had formed our lines 
too far out, as they were only about half a mile from 
the enemy's camp. We changed them in order to 
give more range between the picket lines. 

Early next morning a Johnny jumped up a few 
rods in our front, swung his hat and told us not to 
shoot. He said he heard our pickets talkino- during 
the night while he was coming toward our lines, so 
he laid down in a hollow in the ground within three 
rods of our vidette and stay^ed until light. 

The enemy had departed under cover of the dark- 
ness and were putting in good time to increase the 
distance between us. They took advantage of every 
available object to deter our advance. Lines of 
works were thrown up upon the ridges durmg the 
night. Their rear guard stationed there were pro- 



150 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

tected, while our troops were advancing without 
shelter. In thus advancing, very many of our men 
were slain, while behind each line of works were 
found more or less of the enemy's slain, from the 
shot and shell that was constantly, with but short 
intervals, being sent after the retreating forces. 
Sometimes, in endeavoring to surround these forces 
that were barricaded, we would march to the right 
and left. If we could cut off their retreat, they were 
made prisoners. Thus several thousands of them 
fell into our hands each day. We were often com- 
pelled to make hasty and circuitous marches and 
sometimes travel in all directions in order to accom- 
plish our object. 

The booming of cannon and the rattle of musketry 
was constantly heard from early morn until the light 
faded at night. Along our pathway could be seen 
the evidence of the destruction in this cruel warfare. 
Near the top of the ridge we see the field pieces of 
the rebel battery being spiked and unfit to use ; also 
several wagons, some parts being broken and useless. 
Side by side lay the ghastly forms of the blue and 
the gray. Dead horses and mules are seen every few 
rods along our route. 

A wounded officer is just being carried by his 
friends beneath a shade tree, where he is placed upon 
a blanket. Around him are lying several wounded 
soldiers, all sweltering in their blood. Their groans 
are heard even above the whizzing of bullets, the 
booming of cannon or the bursting of shells. This is 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



151 



but a few minutes' picture of the events of several 
years ago. 

We now pass along a space of dry, level country 
for many miles. We find no water. The soldiers are 
suffering from thirst. The sun shines out very warm. 
Occasionally a well is found, but the water is soon 
all draAvn out, and thousands are obliged to go along 
without a taste. We find splendid mansions, some- 
times left in charge of a few slaves. These were 
generally searched, and if any provisions were on the 
premises, they were usually found, for the soldiers 
would not be satisfied until they had made a careful 
inspection of all the surroundings. Sometimes a 
buried ham, a pet pig, a secreted goose, or setting 
hen were found to appease the pangs of hunger. The 
situation now seemed desperate, for the relief af- 
forded by the country fell far short of appeasing the 
appetites of the hordes of hungry soldiers that were 
passing through it. 

The shells from our artillery often wrought deadly 
work upon the retreating army. They were sent 
with considerable accuracy, even at long- range. The 
position of the batteries was often on an eminence in 
our rear and sent their missiles over our heads at 
the enemy, that frequently were in position upon 
the next ridge. The effect of these was often shown 
by the mangled forms that lay in our pathway. 

One poor fellow having the top of his foot torn 
off, was lying near us, as we were passing, and 
begged piteously for water. The demand was sneered 
at by some of our boys and they even cursed him for 



152 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

being there to fight us. We, believing it an act due 
to humanity, passed him our canteen. He satisfied 
his thirst and seemed greatly pleased. The words 
our boys had given him seemed to hurt him greatly. 
Said he was from a Georgia regiment and he was 
there only because he was forced into the service 
against his will. This was a statement we often 
heard from the prisoners. 

Many of us were now extremely hungry, some hav- 
ing been two days without food. It was with diffi- 
culty that the officers' horses ate their corn without 
its being stolen from them. Some of the officers 
guarded their horses themselves while eating. When 
they had finished, the soldiers dug up what was 
tramped into the muddy ground. These few kernels 
of corn with the addition of coffee were the only 
rations of many of the soldiers for several days. 
W*henever we had an opportunity to get an extra 
good meal afterwards, the comparison was always 
jovially drawn between that and the ones we used 
to dig for, in front of the horses and mules. 

Skirmishing'. 

We were now in a thick forest of pine trees. A 
lively skirmish had already commenced and as we 
advanced bullets were continually buzzing around us. 
Part of our regiment took a position near the brow 
of a hill overlooking a ravine, on the other side of 
which, the enemy were posted. The other portion 
went to the left to engage the attention of the enemy. 

In a short time a squad of Johnnies made their 
appearance from the ravine and did not notice us 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 153 

until we surprised Iheni, when they dropped their 
guns and swung their hats and were made prisoners. 
From them we learned something of the strength and 
position of their army. They treated some of us with 
their kind of hardtack made from corn meal. All 
we conversed with seemed very tired send sick of the 
war. Our regiment captured about forty prisoners 
while we were here. 

We were in a position where we were liable to have 
a larger force to contend with at any moment, and 
likely, would remain during the night, so we formed 
a barricade of the fallen trees. During this time 
the bullets were flying thick around us, though only 
a few were wounded. The major reproved the boys 
for dodging their heads when a bullet came close, 
saying, it was too late to dodge it, if we could hear 
it. Just then he gave a wonderful dodge, a bullet 
having passed through his hat. When reproved for 
it, he thought when they came that close, they might 
dodge. 

An incident happened here which we will narrate, 
it being one among the many to illustrate fate. Just 
after we had completed our log barricade, one of 
our comrades was standing in front of a tree looking 
toward the enemy. We invited him to sit down, 
remarking that some of those stray bullets might hit 
him. He immediately complied. In an instant a bul- 
let buried itself in the tree, in the right place to have 
struck him. He frequently spoke of it, afterward, 
acknowledging that the timely suggestion saved his 
life. 



154 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Darkness came upon us here and those who had 
the privilege, were soon quietly sleeping upon the 
ground among the pines, their fallen foliage giving 
us a nice bed — but soldiers' rests generally are of but 
short duration. We were routed out about eleven 
o'clock and received rations and a further supply of 
caTtridges, then marched a short distance and joined 
a large body of troops. We could not tell where we 
w^ere going, not even the direction, for the sky was 
cloudy and a thick mist was falling and the night 
was very dark. It was evident we vv^ere making a 
stealthy march, for only the steady tramping of the 
soldiers could be heard both in front and rear. In a 
short time we were halted and ordered to rest our- 
selves all we could, but not to leave the ranks. The 
situation was not very favorable for resting, for 
beneath our feet appeared nothing but mud and 
water. Though we could do no better than to ac- 
cept the situation and soon many of the boys were 
quietly snoring in their new beds. It was surmised 
we were about to make an attack, probably on the 
fort. This was the largest of any in the vicinity, 
well armed and fortified, protected by heavy earth- 
works, a deep ditch and an unsurmountable fence 
about ten rods in front. This fence was made of 
sharpened sticks placed firmly in the ground and 
pointed outward, placed so thickly a person could 
not get over. These had to be removed before we 
could come in contact with the fort. 

We were aroused while yet dark and marched a 
short distance, piled our knapsacks and formed in 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 155 

three lines of battle near the fort. It was evident we 
were to make an attack. An officer who was at head- 
quarters the night before said that was what wonld 
soon occur, for he heard the proposition made by a 
certain officer, that if ten regiments were furnished 
him he could capture Fort Rice the next morning by 
daylight and the proposition was agreed to. He 
picked our regiment with nine others and they were 
there upon the ground and only waiting for daylight 
to appear. Nearly every one seemed sober and in 
deep reflection, well knowing that the task before 
us could not be accomplished without a terrible 
slaughter. 

"Comrades brave around us lying, 

Filled with thoughts of home and God; 
Well knowing that upon the morrow, 
Some may lie beneath the sod." 

Streaks of daylight began to appear and every- 
thing was in readiness for the fatal charge, when we 
noticed a single horseman coming at full speed. It 
was General Humphrey our Corps Commander. 

Capturing the Fort and Petersburg. 

After saluting, he said to the officer in command, 
"What are you going to do here?" "We are going 
to capture that fort, General," was the reply. "No, 
you are not, sir, ' ' was the reply, ' ' I will not have my 
men used up in that way. Order the troops back. 
I will take the fort, myself, tomorrow. " The soldiers 
received the sweetest "About face," they had heard 
for many a day. In this one act the General gained 
the confidence and esteem of large portion of the 



156 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

army, and nearly every soldier, wlio was a partici- 
pant in the proposed charge, looked upon him as 
their preserver. For months afterwards, whenever 
he rode along our lines, he was heartily cheered, and 
the soldiers would say, "There goes the fellow that 
saved our bacon!" 

W'e lay behind these works the greater portion of 
the day, the weai;her being rainy most of the time. 
As the shades of night came on, under cover of the 
darkness, the soldiers commenced gathering material 
far in the rear and carried it up to within easy 
range of the fort, where a line of breastworks was 
thrown up. 

The sharpshooters also secreted themselves in 
every available spot overlooking the guns of the 
fort. The artillery were placed in position to work 
destruction to the inmates of the fort. The whole 
army were at work the ^greater portion of the 
night. As soon as daylight appeared sufficient to 
sight the guns, there commenced a terrific cannon- 
ade. The guns at the fort also commenced, but 
they could not load their cannon after the first 
shot for, wherever a head was shown, it was soon 
pierced with bullets. Shell, grape and canister were 
working destruction to the inmates of the fort. Soon 
a fierce charge was made on the opposite side and 
an immediate surrender was effected. At six o'clock 
in the morning the fort was captured with several 
thousand prisoners. They told us they never knew 
bullets to come any thicker than they did there. For 
the purpose of drawing our fire one of them said he 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 157 

placed his cap on the top of the ramrod to his gun 
and raised it above the works for an instant. When 
he withdrew it, it contained nine bullet holes. Some 
of the prisoners were swearing mad, especially one, 
who was jumping around making things appear 
lively, a minie ball having pierced through the palm 
of his'hand. Our loss was slight. That of the enemy 
much greater. 

It was now evident that the Confederate army 
was on the retreat toward Petersburg. Their line 
had been broken in several places and many 
prisoners taken. We followed the retreating army 
that would come to a stand frequently in order to 
retard our progress, taking advantage of the fortifi- 
cations that were in their pathway. Often long lines 
of troops were sheltered behind these works that 
gave them great advantage over their pursuers. We 
were obliged often in these cases to make hasty 
marches to out-flank them. Generally, the enemy 
suddenly retreated, or were surrounded and taken 
prisoners. 

S-everal smaller forts lay on our route toward 
Petersburg. Some of them were easily captured, 
being mostly evacuated on the approach of our 
troops. In one small fort manned by 250 men, a 
determined resistance was made and it required 
three desperate charges, with heavy losses, before 
they surrendered. Around this fort the ground was 
thickly strewn with our fallen comrades. It was 
estimated that 600 were killed in its capture. 



158 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

The enemy now beat a hasty retreat behind the 
strong fortifications of Petersburg which was now 
besieged by the Union troops, by forming heavy 
lines of works in its front and a continual pouring 
of shot and shell upon that fortified city. It was 
doomed to succumb by the treatment it was now 
receiving, but not without fearful loss to its captors, 
for many of our troops stood at long range without 
any protection whatever, and were constantly fall- 
ing from the deadly missiles of the enemy. The 
hospital was at a large mansion several miles from 
the city and the large ambulance train was kept busy 
taking the wounded thither during the several days 
of the siege. The final charge, though met with 
obstinate resistance and heavy losses to the Union 
troops, resulted in the capture of the city, after the 
greater portion of the Confederate army had beaten 
a hasty retreat within the works at Richmond. Our 
regiment bivouacked for the night a few miles from 
Petersburg. The T\rriter slept soundly in the midst 
of a thick patch of hazel brush. 

The next morning we turned our faces toward 
the besieged Capital city. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 159 

CHAPTE[R XVI. 

Capture of Richmond. 

We had not proceeded far when we halted and 
received the joyful news that Richmond had fallen 
and the Confederate army were retreating toward 
Lynchburg, and it was for the interest of every 
soldier to capture the fleeing troops before they 
gained possession of their fortifications at that point. 
The Union troops were now in their best spirits and 
were eager to meet the enemy on equal footing. 

Soon a black cloud of troops made their appear- 
ance. It was the 24th Corps of colored troops. These 
were the first troops that entered Richmond and were 
a lusty, jolly and happy crowd of darkies, causing 
considerable merriment among their white comrades 
by their comical remarks and grotesque appearance. 
While passing our regiment, one of our company 
sang ''Babylon's 'Fallen," that brought out the 
broad smile and comical gestures and made their 
eyes roll with joy. 

Nearly two hours in passing were consumed by 
the troops that were engaged in the fall of Rich- 
mond, before it became our turn to join them. It 
was after ten when we started and reached our 
camping ground at a late hour, having traveled 
thirty miles. The soldiers having a hard march and 
fuel being scarce, they paid no attention to supper, 



160 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

but as soon as they arrived, rolled iu their blankets 
and were soon fast asleep. We were aroused at 3 
o'clock the next morning", though we did not starl 
rill after daylight. The enemy were now in our front 
and the constant order was, "Hurry ap, boys, 
hurry up!" 

We had received rations some five or six days 
before, but many of the boys Avere at this time living 
on very short rations. Fl-esh beef and coffee were 
the only rations Uncle Sam was now supplying us 
with, and these were destined soon to be scarce. The 
large drove of cattle that started with us. was fast 
disappearing; each evening, as soon as we reached 
our night's camping place, a small herd Avas driven 
in near the center of our troops, then shot and 
dressed by the butchers, after which it was dealt out 
to the various regiments. It was a difficult task to 
make the cattle keep near enough to us so we could 
use them for rations and only the best travelers 
could do so by traveling early and late. When they 
arrived for slaughter, they resembled race horses 
about as much as they did beef cattle. It seemed 
out of the question for the supply train to get us 
provisions. After a few more days of rapid travel 
the beef ration failed, when Ave had to rely on our 
oAvn resources. The Confederate army being out of 
rations, were obliged to subsist on the country 
products they could procure in their hasty retreat 
and thcA^ would sometimes leave a little in the shape 
of edibles though their 60,000 men generally took 
everything. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 161 

It was nearly night when we were passing the 
premises upon which stood a respectable dwelling, 
though the only person that we saw about was an 
old negro, who stood near the stable pleasantly gaz- 
ing at our coming troops. They seemed to astonish 
him somewhat, for he exclaimed, "Lor', hebens! 
Wher' all 3^ou sogers come from? Seem zo you cum 
rite out ob de groun'." Some one says: "Sambo, 
you are free now." "Yes, Massa, bress de lawd ! 
I'se a free niggah!" When asked if he had seen 
any Johnnies, he replied, "Yes, Massa; plenty 
Johnnies right ober de hill yonda." Just then a 
nice calf came boimding from the back side of the 
stable, which our boys captured and dressed and 
in a few minutes it Avas on their bayonets movinsr 
tOAvard their camping ground for the night. 

Our regiment was placed on picket guard during 
the night. In establishing the guard line posts, 
usually consisting of five men in charge of a sergeant 
or corporal, they are numibered and are placed from 
ten to fifteen rods apart, forming a continuous line 
around the encampment, usually at a distance of 
one quarter to one-half mile from the main army. 
From each of these posts a single sentinel is placed 
from five to ten rods on the outside toward the 
enemy. This position he holds from one to two 
hours when he is relieved by another member of 
the post. Our instructions were to challenge no one, 
but shoot at the first one appearing. On a dark or 
stormy night this is a very lonely position. 



162 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACU'lC 

It was evident that the Confederate army were 
continually becoming more demoralized as a larger 
number of prisoners were taken daily and many of 
their soldiers were becoming disheartened. Deser- 
tions were more frequent and the prisoners were 
nearly unanimous in expressing their opinion that 
they were sick of war, while the Union army, though 
fatigued, hungry and footsore, believing they were 
about to accomplish the object for which they had 
suffered so many privations, were in the best of 
spirits and rushed forw^ard with all the energy in 
their power — capturing a larger portion of the 
enemy's train than ever before, as they were cross- 
ing a little, miry stream that was not fordable, there 
being but one little bridge for them to cross on. The 
cavalry supported by the infantry cut off their re- 
treat though a sharp encounter occurred with the 
rear guard before they left the train. In this capture 
there were 225 wagons. Many of these still had the 
teams attached to them, while many of the drivers 
rode away and left their wagons. Our loss in this 
capture was said to be about sixty. There were a 
large number of ambulances ; also wagons stored 
from the commissary department including drugs 
enough to stock a drug store, captured here also 
many citizen's wagons that were with the army 
train. 

Some of the soldiers looked eagerly into the dif- 
ferent wagons to see if they could find something to 
eat. In one wagon the writer found several sacks 
of meal. Fearing it might be ** doctored" with some 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 163 

of the medicine of an adjoining wagon, the sack 
was slit near the bottom and our haversack filled. It 
was nice aoad white, though unsifted. 

A portion of the Confederate army w^ere now get- 
ting their breakfast on the brushy ridge beyond the 
stream, while their train was crossing. A few shells 
thrown among them and a lively gait of our forces, 
caused them to stampede suddenly. In many cases 
they left their frying pans on the fires that were 
burning briskly. Taking advantage of the oppor- 
tunity, we hastily mixed some of the meal in our 
tin cup and poured the contents into one of these 
hot frying pans. In a short time we had a nicely 
cooked cake. It had now been three days since we 
had tasted any food, except the few kernels of corn 
before referred to. We had previous to this sampled 
a great many of whai: were called excellent cakes, 
but we thought this one far ahead of any we had 
ever before tasted. 

We now rapidly followed the retreating army, 
capturing many prisoners and more of their train. 
The scenes we encountered were similar to those of 
several days previous, only more captures were 
made. When we stopped for the night, we found 
that many of our comrades had not been so for- 
tunate in getting something to eat, and our wish 
was that we had a larger supply of meal to share 
with them. Though w^e had taken enough to last us 
a week, it was all gone before the next night. 
There was generally a spirit of generosity among 
the soldiers. If one happened to meet a streak of 



164 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

good fortune, his comrades were ever ready to assist 
him, especially if it was about something good to 
eat. 

The next morning General Grant rode along the 
line in our rear, accompanied by his staff, he having 
established his headquarters a short distance back 
of us. 

Gen. Grant's Questions Answered. 

The headquarters where Gen. Grant and his staff 
went into quarters for the night when the army 
was on the march was always supposed to be the 
most protected place that could be found. This 
was considered essential, for the best interests of 
the army was to protect its officers. Sometimes, 
and probably the most usually selected position was 
a safe distance in the rear. If on the field with the 
main army they were in close proximity with the 
troops or a heavy guard formed around them. 

After Petersburg and Richmond had surrendered 
and the Confederate army were in full retreat, the 
officers connected with Gen. Grant's staff were feel- 
ing quite hilarious after we had followed the enemy 
a few days. It seemed for a certainty that their army 
would soon be captured, and I believe Gen. Grant 
thought so himself. 

I having an injured foot was given a permit to 
leave the regiment and travel as I pleased. One 
day I was overtaken by Gen. Grant and his staff. 
I noticed they were feeling pretty good and I think 
the general thought he would have a little fun, 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 165 

When he came opposite to me he took his cigar from 
his month and looking peeringly at me, said: 
"What army do you belong to?" The reply came 
very quickly: "The Union Army, sir." I believe 
the reply was not just as he had expected, for 
nearly all of the members of his staff laughed. He 
asked: ''What regiment?" I said, "First Minne- 
sota." "A\niy are you not with it?" I said, ''Be- 
cause I had the privilege to go otherwise." "Who 
gave you the privilege?" "The surgeon of my 
regiment." "Have you the papers for it?" I told 
him I had and handed him my permit that he after- 
ward returned to be by his orderly. This was the 
first and only time that I conversed with a gen- 
eral while in the army. He went on his way know- 
ing a little more than when we met. 

The Army Telegraph. 

We frequently would notice the old telegraph 
mule following us up, laying the wire on the ground 
behind him as he passed along. We think this wire 
was encased in some substance as it resembled a 
cord being wound upon a reel and placed in the 
saddle. Messages from the extreme front were 
rapidly despatched and communication kept up 
with headquarters through the aid of the telegraph. 

Our army were now getting very much fatigued 
and many could not stand the treatment they were 
receiving. The rapid marching, the fording of 
streams and sleeping upon the ground in their wet 
clothing was acting very unfavorably on the health 



166 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

of our boys. They were continually falling by tbe 
wayside, and the large train of ambulances was 
constantly filled with the sick soldiers. 

Along our pathway could be seen the dead bodies 
of horses and mules that had succumbed from the 
effect of shot, shell, disease and fatigue, sometimes 
lying so thick that the train could not pass without 
running over them. Disease or fatigue would fre- 
unently cause them to lie down. If they did not 
get up and travel with the rest of the team, they 
were immediately shot and other animals took their 
places. The feed for the animals was equally as 
scarce as that of the men; in fact, many of the ani- 
mals were nearly starved. This accounted for the 
heavy losses among the horses and mules. 

Often we came to the little villages containing a 
few dwellings, store and warehouse. One fact was 
noticeable, that the school houses that we so fre- 
quently pass in the northern states, were few here 
and far between. The illiteracy of the people was 
apparent, as shown in their common conversation. 
Often their explanation of history and geography 
caused laughable incidents among our boys who had 
received the advantages of the common school. 

Doubtless the institution of slavery that had been 
allowed to exist had brought about a certain degree 
of dormancy that ever seemed prevalent among 
them. It showed itself in the progress they had 
made in the agricultural pursuits, the tools that 
were used being similar to those of our forefather's 
of a half century previous. The old wooden mould- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



167 



board plow, strapped with iron, was still found as 
their plow the hand sickle instead of the improved 
reaper, the flail instead of the threshing machine, 
the old fashioned, heavy, iron hoe instead of the 
light, steel hoe. These plainly showed that progres- 
sion was in the background and the boys in blue 
were destined to bring about a revolution. 

One of these villages we found nearly deserted. 
The store was left to itself and the boys had to 
wait upon themselves. The stock was greatly re- 
duced, still considerable remained. Jewelry, writing 
paper and a few light articles were all the boys 
cared to partake of. The former was a cheap grade 
and the latter of a poor quality. Still, the paper 
caused a thrill of joy to exist in the heart of many 
a northern home. When, a short time after, the 
news of the surrender of the Confederate army and 
the safety of those they loved, was hurriedly penned 
to fathers, mothers, wives, brothers, sisters and 
sweethearts, that they would soon greet them with 
their presence it was written to them on this paper. 
In one of the large stores was found a big lot 
of tobacco. It was evident that some of the boys 
knew what it was to be "out" and improved the 
opportunity to lay in a supply. Some we think 
carried this to an extreme, for one, a Scandinavian, 
after filling his pockets, packed what he could of 
the "plug" in his knapsack, then tied up a large 
bundle of the leaf. This he fastened to the top of 
his knapsack. His small stature and his high pack 
with at least a year's supply of tobacco looming 



168 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

high above his head, presented a ludicrous appear- 
ance, causing much merriment among the boys, 
who got all the fun out of it they could in several 
miles' travel, when, by order of an officer, he was 
forced to throw nearly all of it away. 

Frequently large numbers of prisoners were cap- 
tured; also portions of their train fell into our 
hands. In this train might be found several mover's 
wagons containing families and their furniture. 
They had been taught to believe that the Yankees 
were terrible creatures and would annihilate them 
on their first appearance. Thus they left their 
homes and lands and went with their army. Some 
expressed surprise upon seeing us that we so much 
resembled human beings. They had been taught 
to believe as one old woman expressed it: "We 
uns tho't you uns had horns!" 

In one of these captures, several mules were ta- 
ken. It seemed they were very tired and nearly 
starved to death. The writer conceived the idea 
that it would be a grand thing to ride one of these 
mules, as he was suffering from an injured foot and 
traveling was painful. They were turned out graz- 
ing. "With some difficulty one was caught, but there 
was no bridle or halter. What could be done? *' Ne- 
cessity is the mother of invention." Two withes 
were found and a string fastened across the ends 
served for a bit, while the withes served for reins. 
After forming a saddle from the blanket and tent 
cloth, the wonderful charger was mounted. We 
were then one of the mounted infantry and went on 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 169 

our way rejoicing. This, doubtless, was the sorriest 
looking mule in the southern confederacy. He had 
spent nearly all his substance, beauty, strength and 
energy in trying to destroy the Union. Now his 
efforts were turned in a different direction and we 
believe if his strength had been equal to his a,mbi- 
tion the war might have closed sooDer than it did. 

These tiresome marches often taxed the strength 
and endurance of our boys. The soldier fully 
equipped with knapsack containing change of cloth- 
ing, blankets, tent, material for washing, writing, 
etc. ; with haversack containing rations, knife, fork, 
spoon, cup and cooking utensils; add to these the 
accoutrements with heavy rifle and 40 rounds of 
ammunition and the burden is about 45 pounds. 
This seems much heavier when traveling over a 
rough country, making hasty marches, and the 
soldier often lightened his knapsack to his discom- 
fort at night. 

Comrade J was small and very eccentric. The 
burden was too heavy for him, so he threw his 
well filled knapsack in the ditch. That night after 
all fires were ordered out he curled up beside the 
glowing embers that were now fast turning to 
ashes. The night being cold, he warmed one side 
thoroughly, then turning over, was soon sleeping 
soundly. About midnight he was awakened by a 
treacherous foe that had attacked him in the rear. 
Through prompt aid he was saved with only the 
loss of the skirts to his blouse and the back part of 
his pants. Being very tired his sleeping form was 



170 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

soon seen encircled around the warm ashes of the 
camp fire. During his sleep his cap fell an easy 
prey to the same element. The next morning he 
reported in "light marching order," creating fun 
for the boys. 

In an unexpected moment a loving comrade is 
stricken down from the unerring aim of a deadly 
missile. With feelings of sadness we lay him away 
to his rest beneath the branches of the spreading 
oak. No friendly tear marks the solemnity of the 
occasion, however friendless or sad it may be. No 
casket enshrouds those precious remains, except 
those accompanied in martial array. We sorrow- 
fully leave that lonely mound and often we wonder 
what loving hand will condescend to strew flowers 
upon that grave. We can but believe that the in- 
visible hand of Him that notes the ''sparrow's fall," 
will not fail to send up the tiny plant upon that 
grave, being nourished and watered by the dews of 
heaven, increasing in size and strength, and on 
each Decoration Day sending forth its beautiful 
blossoms, that open their petals, sending forth their 
rich fragrance mixed with the balmy breezes 
permeating the atmosphere all around, and nodding 
their heads in joyous triumph o'er the grave of our 
fallen hero. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 171 

CHAPTEiR XVII. 
Surrender at Appomattox. 

The next day the booming of the cannon and the 
clatter of the musketry that were dealing death and 
destruction to many of the soldiers, as we had wit- 
nessed each day since we had been in this campaign, 
suddenly stopped. It was evident that something 
unusual had happened. There was a suspension 
of hostilities while arrangements were being made 
upon the conditions of a surrender. Sheridan with 
his horde of cavalry was on hand and had flung 
themselves across the pathway of the fleeing army. 
There now seemed no alternative but surrender or 
annihilation for the fatigued, dwindled and dis- 
couraged Confederate army, as they were sur- 
rounded by a multitude of determined Union troops, 
that were imbued with the spirit of our forefathers 
that seemed to say, "We'll conquer, or die." 

Soon after the close of this conference, the joyful 
tidings came along the lines that Gen. Lee and 
the Confederate army had surrendered. At first 
it was not believed by many of the boys, while 
others cheered lustily. It soon became evident that 
such was the case and the grand jollification com- 
menced. Caps, blouses, haversacks flew high in the 
air. Cheer after cheer rent the air with their many 
thousand voices, making the old hills and forests 
of Appomattox resound as they never did before. 



172 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Just then the artillery, every piece that was able 
to speak, belched forth its notes of joy, making the 
hills and forests tremble. There probably never 
was so much rejoicing among soldiers as happened 
there. They seemed to have forgotten that they 
were ever tired or footsore, but more like they did 
not have room to contain themselves, or were trying 
to fly. 

*'We'll soon be home, says one;" then cheer 
after cheer would rend the air. 

''I believe we will get home soon," says another; 
then it would be cheer again. 

Another little fellow says, ''Yes, we will," as 
he jumped high in the air, ''and I'll have a chance 
to see my—," as the last word was drowned in 
noise, we will have to guess what it was. 

Similar rejoicings were kept up about two hours, 
during which time the soldiers nearly shouted and 
howled themselves hoarse. When they cheered, it 
was not confined to one or two regiments, but ex- 
tended along the whole line. Everybody seemed 
in earnest and these rejoicing tones made the woods 
and valleys ring. 

During this time General Grant and General Lee 
rode along our front, side by side, amid the deafen- 
ing shouts of the boys in blue. 

Soon the bands, we think every one in the army 
of the Potomac, assembled and commenced dis- 
coursing some of the sweetest martial music we had 
ever heard, playing in concert such pieces as "Star 
Spangled Banner," "America," "Dixie," "Sweet 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 173 

Home," ''Who Will Care for Mother Now?" etc., 
the chorus of the latter being joined by thousands 
of soldiers' voices, making the hills of Appomattox 
echo with their melodious strains. 

Soon the order came for the 1st Minnesota to go 
on guard. We formed our picket line for the last 
time between the blue and the gray, who were just 
over the ridge about one-half mile, having stacked 
arms and were quietly lying on the ground. Before 
dark a number of Johnnies came over. They begged 
for hardtack; said they were nearly starved. They 
generally expressed themselves as pleased that the 
fighting was over and they could go home. They 
seemed well supplied with their money, so a spirit 
of speculation sprang up among the boys, many of 
them starting a system of brokerage. When their 
stock came down to 98 per cent discount, many of 
our boys invested their fractional currency at par 
for their scrip at the discount. 

Before dark the Johnnies that were visiting 
among our boys and did not depart for their homes, 
were sent to their camp. Our orders that night 
were as strict as usual to challenge no one, but 
shoot at any one approaching our lines. The next 
morning, though rainy, the ''money changers" 
were on hand and quite a number of trades were 
made between the blue and the gray. Rations were 
issued to the troops of both armies, which made 
our rations scanty. Our army rested during the 
day, while the larger portion of the confederate 
troops started for their homes. 



174 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

We now come to the closing scenes in our career 
as a soldier. Upon the sunny faces of our com- 
rades, we can but notice, that, at times, over the 
sunbeams there seems a cloud. "When we collect 
our scattered forces the ranks are not filled. Why 
is this? Where are the 1,000 strong that were at 
Bull Run? Where are the 700 since added to the 
muster roll as regiment and battalion that have fol- 
lowed the old battle flag? Let us unfurl that banner 
of liberty to the breeze of Appomattox. In a 
language of silence it speaks to us through its tat- 
tered and torn appearance, through the large rup- 
ture where the shell coursed its way onward; 
through the bullet holes that have completely rid- 
dled it; through the blood stains of its slain heroes 
it now carries. It compares favorably with the 
decimated ranks now with us, which at the present 
time number less than 200 men. Where are the 
others? Many are lying scattered along, upon or 
beneath some of the many battlefields following 
that flag to where we now see it at the final sur- 
render of the confederate army at Appomattox, 
April 9th, 1865. 

To the old comrades who may glance over these 
sketches, we would say: ''Let us be manly, con- 
sistent and obedient to the laws of self government ; 
let us shoAv fidelity and friendship to all, especially 
our comrades. We may often have wondered as we 
stood elbow to elbow in the great conflict, that 
"the one was taken and the other left." As thou- 
sands are answering to the last roll call each week. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 175 

it will soon be our turn to ''fall in." Let us so 
live that we can "form in line" and ''parade" in 
the bright beyond. 

In writing these few sketches, it has been our 
aim to interest the young. If we have so succeeded, 
it has fulfilled our desire. We fondly hope it may 
never fall to their lot to be participants in the 
scenes of cruel warfare. It is our earnest wish that 
you may ever be patriotic, truthful, temperate, kind 
and obedient, and that the flowers of prosperity 
and happiness may ever bloom along your pathway. 

A Yankee Trick. 

It was near our camp that our pickets were ever 
getting into trouble with the pickets of the enemy. 
On one of the outer posts nearly every night some 
of our pickets were killed. It was ascertained this 
was done by a sharpshooter who had secreted him- 
self by burrowing himself where he had a conspicu- 
ous view of our picket post. After several men 
had been killed there it begun to look like a serious 
undertaking and very risky to occupy that posi- 
tion. 

After several unsuccessful attempts to dislodge 
him the matter was taken up by a comrade who 
proposed to show him a Yankee trick. Having 
procured a musket and fastened it securely between 
two small trees under cover of darkness after at- 
taching a stout cord to the trigger of the gun that 
was placed a short distance in front of the enemy's 
rifle pit, he took up a position at a point where he 



176 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

could obtain a good view and here waited for the 
dawn of day. When it was sufficiently light to see 
how to shoot, he gave the cord a pull and the loud 
report of a gun was heard in front. Mr. Sharp- 
shooter stuck up his head to see who was shooting, 
when it was suddenly pierced through with a bullet 
from the gun of the avenging Yankee. The scheme 
worked just as he had expected it would and re- 
sulted in the abandonment of the enemy's rifle pit 
at this point, it being considered unsafe to be any 
longer supplied as an outpost to protect their 
army. 

Getting the Mail. 

There were but few things in the army life of the 
soldiers that he seemed to be more interested than 
in the receiving of a letter from home. How eager- 
ly he watched the old mule as he put in his long 
strides with the mail bag on his back as he was 
approaching where we were in camp. The mailbag 
was delivered to the surgeon of the regiment who 
assorted the letters and assigned them to the dif- 
ferent companies of the regiment. Here the orderly 
sergeant of the respective companies took them to 
their company for distribution. He usually stood 
upon a box or stump and called the name of the 
person it was for. How eagerly they sprang for- 
ward to receive it, for it was sometimes many weeks 
or months even since they had heard anything from 
home and it was a feast of good things to get letters 
from loved ones at home. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 177 

The letters that were received were generally 
long ones and filled with love and sympathy for the 
boys in blue. Those who received a letter left the 
sergeant's quarters in a happy frame of mind, 
while those who did not get any were generally 
much disappointed. It was an interesting sight to 
see the soldiers reading their letters. Some would 
be standing, others crouched upon the ground or 
sitting on a log or stump, anxiously taking in the 
contents. On the faces of some the expression of 




ARMY MAIL CARRIER. 

joy and happiness was printed there, others the 
tears would roll down their cheeks for the writer 
had touched the tender chords of love and sympathy 
that still existed in the hearts of their far away 
friends. 

After the letters had been read the news was 
received from the different localities of the soldiers' 
homes. Thus he was made acquainted with the 
happenings in the vicinity where remained his 



178 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

greatest interests. The soldiers would discuss with 
a marked degree of interest the various topics from 
their respective localities that they had received 
through the mail. 

As newspapers were prohibited being sent through 
the mails at the front, we had no other means of 
hearing from the outside world. 

Slaves Bought and Sold. 

Advertising is the most reliable means of making 
the business in which we are engaged known to 
those around us. The American people are great 
for advertising. The most successful merchants are 
the ones that are profited by this means. 

The people of the Southern cities were not back- 
ward in this respect when slavery was having full 
sway in the South, and the colored people were held 
as slaves. Slavery was introduced in the early set- 
tlement of the colonies by a Dutch vessel that 
brought twenty slaves that were sold to the colonists 
in the year 1619. Prom that time slavery existed 
until blotted out by the Civil War. 

Thus the sign was conspicuously displayed in 
the marts of trade, ''Slaves Bought and Sold." 
The building upon which this sign was placed very 
much resembled a barn, with door fronting the 
street. A large block standing on end in front near 
the edge of the street, supposed to be the salesman's 
block, furnished the outlines of the front of the 
building. A small yard that surrounded the build- 
ing on the two sides and one end was enclosed with 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 179 

a high plank fence. This is an exterior description 
of the business house of the slave merchant as we 
viewed it at the time the boys in blue were viewing 
the sights and gaining their experience when mak- 
ing their initial visit to some of the slave states of 
the South. 

It certainly must have been a season of sorrow 
and sadness when fathers and mothers, sisters and 
brothers, parents and children were auctioned off 
to the highest bidder and separated perhaps forever. 
Such scenes were enacted in accordance with law 
as it was then interpreted. But the whole system 
was changed when that wonderful emancipation 
proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln, the 
lamented President, and was sanctioned and put in 
execution through the aid of the Union soldiers. 
African slavery with all of its wrong and evil doing 
was ended and the colored slaves obtained their 
freedom; and the North and the South were des- 
tined to again be as one, and become a united and 
prosperous people. 

On the March. 

On the second day after the final surrender we 
started on the way toward Washington. The roads 
were wet and muddy and the rain was still coming 
slowly down with the weather disagreeably cold and 
uncomfortable. 

After going into camp for the night a wonderfully 
heavy rain came upon us, drenching a large portion 
of the soldiers so they felt very uncomfortable. The 
mules haltered at the baggage wagons at night 



180 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

were continually moving in order to exercise to 
keep warm. Their continual moving caused them 
to sink into the mud until some of them were unable 
to stand or get out of their muddy bed, so they were 
shot to end their misery. 

We went into camp at Parmville, where we re- 
mained a short time. During our stay here we were 
kept busy fitting up our camp, digging up and set- 
ting out trees in rows through our camping ground, 
trying to make it present the appearance of a young 
city. The colonel said this was to give us exercise, 
so we would not get homesick. That was a com- 
plaint very common among the soldiers and several 
died among us from this cause, our surgeon saying 
he could find no other cause for their sickness. 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 181 

CHAPTER XVni. 
Assassination of Lincoln. 

The regiment, in a short time, made another 
move to Burkville and once more commenced orna- 
menting our camp grounds. At sunrise each morn- 
ing we were summoned to "fall in" for police duty. 
After answering to roll call, we being provided with 
brush brooms, swept over our whole camp ground. 
This was a duty we performed each day while in 
camp and resulted in a neat and clean camping 
ground that was essential to the health of the sol- 
diers while in camp. 

It was on the morning of the fifteenth of April 
that we received the sad news of the assassination 
of the President, he having been shot the evening 
previous by John Wilkes Booth, at Ford's Theatre, 
and died about seven o'clock the following morning. 
It cast a deep shadow over the minds of the people 
of the whole North and especially of the members 
of our regiment. For they held in deep reverence, 
respect and esteem, the man who had been so in- 
fluential in the preservation of justice to the people, 
that the whole nation might become a united and 
liberty-loving people. 

The following day services were held and a large 
assembly of the ''boys in blue" listened to an elo- 
quent address that was listened to with much inter- 
est as he pictured to his hearers in glowing words, 



182 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

the life and character of the highly-esteemed and 
lamented Lincoln. The Union Army had been 
crowned with success, and the nation could once 
more unite as a free and independent people. In- 
stead of being elated at this time of general re- 
joicing, the whole North was enshrouded in the 
deepest gloom when they learned the sad fate of 
their martyred President. When the news came 
it saddened the minds of the soldier boys, for they 
held a warm place in their hearts for the great, 
noble-hearted man who had done so much for the 
welfare of the people, and left so much undone that 
seemed to be especially assigned for him to do. 

Grand Review at Washington. 

After the Confederate forces had all surrendered 
there was a centralization of the different Federal 
armies at Washington. It was a grand sight to see 
the troops from the different sections of the army 
gathered together and march in solid column 
through the different streets of Washington in a 
grand review. Here were the old veterans from 
the Army of the Potomac, of the Western army, 
Sherman's army that had made that wonderful 
march to the sea, Sheridan's cavalry that had been 
so conspicuous in bringing about a halt in the 
Confederate retreat. They were here and formed 
the grand army that had brought about the results 
that were so essential to the welfare of the nation. 
Although they were in different localities and acted 
under different leaders they were in unison in bring- 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 183 

ing about the same grand and noble results. After 
the terrible sieges through which they had passed 
they had met and helped swell the remainder of the 
grand army and look upon each other that they 
might carry with them to their homes a picture 
of the past. 

Aftet the grand review our regiment remained 
in camp near Washington for quite a while. We 
still went through the exercises of the regular drill 
just the same as we did previous to the final sur- 
render of the Confederate forces. The soldiers gen- 
erally, now that the fighting was over, were more 
anxious to go to their homes than anything else. 
They had accomplished the task that was set before 
them and now their interest was in the direction of 
their homes, attending to their own farms and 
brightening their own firesides. 

The task of mustering out such a large number 
of men was not a small one. It required time to 
disband such a large army properly, giving them 
an honorable discharge. Though many of the sol- 
diers were more or less anxious to start toward 
home, their only hope was to have patience and 
wait until their turn came. 

Some were so anxious and they actually got so 
homesick that they were taken to the hospital and 
died there. Such was the fate of many a poor fel- 
low who had an affliction of this terrible malady, 
that was so prevalent among the soldiers. 



184 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Start for Louisville. 

Great anxiety existed among the soldiers to be 
on the move toward home. They were much pleased 
when the news came that we were to start for 
Louisville, for what purpose we did not know. We 
afterward learned that we were scheduled to join 
the fleet that was then going South. Taking the 
train at Washington on the Baltimore and Ohio 
railroad, going by way of Harper's Ferry and 
climbing the Allegheny Mountains to such a height 
we could look down upon the clouds. 

After arriving at Parkersburg we were trans- 
ferred to steamers and sailed down the Ohio River. 
We made a short stay at Cincinnati and then pro- 
ceeded to Louisville, when we found we were too 
late to join the fleet going South. This was good 
news for the soldiers, for they had no desire to go, 
or any anxiety to see more of the South. We went 
into camp a few miles above Louisville near the 
bank of the Ohio River. It was a very pleasant 
location. 

We remained here several weeks before we got 
orders to go North to be mustered out of the ser- 
vice of Uncle Sam. It was a very pleasant view 
by the side of the river to see the boats, steamers 
and rafts sailing by. One of these large steamers 
carried a large steam organ that used to play us a 
tune whenever it passed, that was gladly received 
and heartily welcomed by the soldiers. 

While here the regiment was discharged from 
the service, although it was some two weeks before 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



18:^ 



we got mustered out and went to our homes. 
While waiting here the drill practice was still kept 
up, although it had become monotonous. 

Homeward Bound. 

Soon the glad news came that we were to go 
to St. Paul to be mustered out. It was a day of 
gladness to the soldiers when they received the 
order to march to the station and board the train 
that was to take them on that long-wished-for jour- 
ney toward home. We had a very pleasant journey, 
passing through the states of Indiana, Illinois, and 
made a stop at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where we 
were gladly welcomed by the citizens of that fine 
city. In the large hall the tables were all spread 
laden with the good things that had been prepared 
for the returned soldiers, the ladies having shown 
their skill in preparing a grand reception that was 
so thankfully received by the comrades. This was 
the first table they had been privileged to sit down 
to for many months, so it was to them a great treat 
and was truly appreciated by the hungry guests. 

The beautiful Milwaukee girls were truly capti- 
vating to the young soldiers and their attentions 
seemed to be mutually agi^eeable to each other, they 
having spent an hour or more in each other's com- 
pany and having a nice social visit and really en- 
joying themselves. The Colonel, coming around and 
noticing how things were turning said, ''I have 
got to get my regiment right out of here or I will 
lose half of my men." 



186 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

Arriving at St. Paul. 

After we left Milwaukee we were soon trans- 
ferred to steamers and made rapid progress up the 
''Father of Waters," passing several fine towns 
along its banks. Taking the steamers at Prairie du 
Chien and passing La Crosse and Winona, fine towns, 
located on the river banks, the people greeted us 
with wild expressions of joy upon our approach to 
them, seemiug to be much elated that the regiment 
was home again. 

Along the river beautiful and romantic scenery 
presents itself from either side. An uneven shore 
interspersed with rugged hills and rocks, some of 
the latter towering upward like lofty spires. Near 
Winona is a grand display of these, starting upward 
near the edge of the Mississippi. To one of these 
is given the name of "Maiden Rock," for with it is 
connected a tale of love among the rude aborigines 
of this country, this being at that time considered 
among their best and richest hunting grounds. 

A young brave from a near tribe wished to win 
the hand of his dusky mate. His successful wooing 
of the beautiful maiden ripened into a mutual af- 
fection and declared that henceforth they would live 
for each other. Just then a wonderful disposition of 
defiance was exhibited by the ' ' old folks, ' ' declaring 
that such a thing should never happen. But the 
mantle of affection that had cemented two loving 
hearts had been so closely woven that parting 
seemed more terrible than death itself, and life an 
empty void. Accordingly, she climbed up the steep 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 



187 



ascent of the tallest rock, scaling the crags and 
crevices until she reached the highest peak, and 
from those dizzy heights she gave the fearful leap 
down the terrible abyss, landing on the rocks hun- 
dreds of feet below and blotting out the young life 
of the beautiful girl. 

A beautiful landscape presents itself as we pro- 
ceed up the river. In looking forward we notice 
a short distance ahead of us a point of land extend- 
ing into the river, but the river for many miles 
takes a gradual curve and the boat does not seem to 
get around the point. For this reason it is called 
'Toint No Point." Passing through lake Pippin, 
which is only a widening of the Mississippi, and 
stopping at several of the nice little towns along 
the river where we were hailed with a hearty wel- 
come, we soon arrived at St. Paul, where many 
thousands of people had assembled to meet the long 
absent soldiers who were privileged once more to 
meet with loving friends and again enjoy the en- 
dearing surroundings of home. 

We were greeted with a grand reception as friend 
after friend met after so long an absence and ex- 
pressed their gratitude that their loved ones had re- 
turned. There was a general rejoicing and a season 
we can never forget. Here were fathers and moth- 
ers, sisters and brothers, that met here to greet 
their friends, but all were not happy, for there were 
some here who did not meet their soldier friend, for 
he went away and did not return. Their eyes were 



188 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

filled with tears and their hearts with sorrow and 
disappointment. 

The return of the re^ment was a season of re- 
joicing although the hearts of many were filled with 
grief because the loved soldier had not returned. 
After listening to a fine address at the State House 
by the Governor, we were invited to partake of a 
bountiful dinner that was presided over by the 
ladies who so kindly welcomed us to our home state. 

We then went to a camping ground near the city. 
After a few days in camp we were mustered out 
and went to our various homes where anxious 
friends were awaiting to receive us, and we were 
again in the loving embrace of family, friends and 
home. 

Conclusion: Is there a Grod, Heaven or Eternity? 

These are questions that often come to the minds 
of the different persons who meet as we travel 
along life's pathway. There are persons who say 
there is no God. When we look at the beauties 
of nature with all its wonderful attractions on the 
earth and in the heavens we cannot see hoAV 
they can substantiate such a belief, or resist the 
charms that ever surround them in their daily walks 
along the pathway of life. 

We note the starry heavens and the wonderful 
rotation of its numerous planets, the sunshine, the 
gentle raindrop, the balmy breeze, the fierce storm, 
the rustling leaf, the joyous songsters pouring forth 
their notes of joy, the beautiful flowers that line 



FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 189 

our pathway. Is there reason for doubting that 
there is a Supreme Ruler who governs ail things? 

"In the thunder, In the rain, 
In the grove, the woods, the plain. 
In the little birds that sing, 
God Is seen in every thing." 

**In the beginning God created the heavens and 
the earth, the beasts of the field, fowls of the air 
and fishes of the sea. 

''Then was created man formed after His own 
image from the dust of the earth, and breathing into 
his nostrils the breath of life he became a living soul 
and gave him dominion over all the creatures He 
had made." 

On account of his superior intelligence and having 
a living soul the immortal part of mankind never 
dies but liveth forever. Now the persons who truly 
believe that they have no living soul, do they not 
place themselves in the same category with the 
beasts of the field, while they are held responsible 
for their superiority over the animal kingdom? Are 
men satisfied to die as the beast dieth? If a man 
die, shall he live again? Is there a future state of 
existence? The greater portion of the world be- 
lieves that there is. Even those nations who were 
uncivilized believed in a future state of existence. 
The aborigines of this country believed this and 
made preparation for their departed friends that 
they might enjoy the future life by burying with 
them their implements of the chase that they needed 



190 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 

in the Happy Hunting Grounds in the land of the 
Great Spirit. 

The Bible, the Book of Books, reveals to us in 
unmistakable terms the past, the present and the 
future. Shall we spurn the teachings of this won- 
derful book that has carried joy, peace and happi- 
ness to so many homes? Its enemies may try to an- 
nihilate it and exclude it from the reach of man- 
kind, but still it rushes onward, pioneering its path- 
way into the darkest portions of the earth, carrying 
with it the sunshine of God's love. It brings civiliza- 
tion wherever it goes. Barbarism is blotted out, 
and all the endearments of a joyous^ happy life are 
strewn along its pathway. 

Christianity carries the royal banner all along 
this life and also to that life which is to come. The 
happiest people in the world today are those who 
follow the teachings of the Savior. If we were to 
blot out the influence of these teachings would it 
not in realitj" bring the gloomiest shadows and ob- 
literate the light of the world? 

We will soon all be called upon to try the realities 
of the mysterious future. If there is a heaven to 
gain or a hell to shun, is it not for our interest to 
get into the glorious sunshine of God's love and 
secure a home in that haven of eternal rest where 
we may spend an eternity with Christ and the re- 
deemed loved ones in heaven? 

"Hope on, hope ever, to the end; 
Choose Christ the Savior for your friend." 



